Systems and methods for storing, transporting, and using hydrogen

ABSTRACT

The present disclosure provides systems and methods for storing, transporting, and using hydrogen. In some embodiments, the method may comprise (a) storing hydrogen fuel in one or more fuel storage modules; (b) transporting the one or more fuel storage modules to a vehicle fueling site, wherein one or more hydrogen fuel compatible vehicles are located at or near the vehicle fueling site; (c) loading the one or more fuel storage modules into the one or more hydrogen fuel compatible vehicles, wherein the one or more fuel storage modules are configured to be releasably coupled to the one or more hydrogen fuel compatible vehicles; and (d) decoupling the one or more fuel storage modules from the one or more hydrogen fuel compatible vehicles after the one or more fuel storage modules are depleted or partially depleted.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This non-provisional patent application hereby claims the benefit of andpriority to the all of the following: U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 63/023,713, titled SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR STORING,TRANSPORTING, AND USING HYDROGEN, filed May 12, 2020; U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application No. 63/038,480, titled STORAGE MODULE filed Jun. 12,2020; and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/070,153, titledSYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR STORING, TRANSPORTING, AND USING HYDROGEN, filedAug. 25, 2020, all of which are incorporated herein in their entiretiesby reference thereto.

BACKGROUND

Vehicles may be operated using a fuel source. The fuel source may have aspecific energy corresponding to an amount of energy stored orextractable per unit mass of fuel. The fuel source may be provided tovarious vehicles to enable such vehicles to generate energy and deliverpower to a propulsion system for movement and transportation.

SUMMARY

Hydrogen can be leveraged as a clean energy source to power variousvehicles, including aircraft or other manned or unmanned vehicles.Hydrogen can provide a distinct advantage over other types of fuel, suchas diesel, gasoline, or jet fuel, which have specific energies of about45 megajoules per kilogram (MJ/kg), or lithium-ion batteries, which havea specific energy of about 0.95 MJ/kg. The specific energy of aviationgas or jet fuel may generally range from about 43 and about 48 MJ/kg. Incontrast, hydrogen has a specific energy of over 140 MJ/kg. As such, 1kg of hydrogen can provide the same amount of energy as about 3 kg ofgasoline or kerosene. Thus, using hydrogen as a fuel source for vehiclescan reduce the weight of vehicles while providing a comparable amount ofenergy as other traditional sources of fuel. Further, burning hydrogenfor fuel may emit benign or nontoxic byproducts such as water whileminimizing carbon dioxide and nitrous oxide emissions, thereby reducingthe environmental impacts of various modes of transportation that usehydrogen as a fuel source.

The present disclosure provides systems and methods for storing,transporting, and using hydrogen to enable carbon-free transportation(i.e., zero carbon emissions and carbon-free fuel). The systems andmethods of the present disclosure may be used to service or create acarbon-free transportation market (i.e., a carbon-free fuel andemissions aviation market). The systems and methods of the presentdisclosure may be implemented to facilitate the capture, storage,transportation, distribution, and use of hydrogen to fuel and powervarious vehicles. The systems and methods of the present disclosure maybe used to safely store and transport hydrogen while buffering orshielding the hydrogen from potential changes in storage conditions(changes in temperature, pressure, etc.) and/or mitigating the impactsof such changes. The systems and methods of the present disclosure mayalso be used to efficiently transport hydrogen while isolating fuelstorage modules from vibrations or external movements that may damagethe storage modules or the hydrogen contained within.

The systems and methods of the present disclosure may be implemented toenable quick, convenient, and precise interfacing of hydrogen fuel tanksor storage modules with hydrogen production or processing equipment andvehicle or aircraft systems or subsystems, including structuralcomponents, power delivery systems, aircraft control systems, propulsionsystems, transportation infrastructure, and/or recycling infrastructure.The systems and methods of the present disclosure may be used to enableefficient loading of hydrogen fuel storage modules into vehicles as wellas efficient unloading and inspection of spent or partially spenthydrogen fuel storage modules from vehicles. The systems and methods ofthe present disclosure may be used to reduce costs, labor, and theamount or complexity of infrastructure associated with thetransportation and delivery of hydrogen. The systems and methods of thepresent disclosure may further enable the coordination of hydrogencapture, storage, transportation, distribution, and refueling ofhydrogen fuel storage modules to provide hydrogen fuel to variousstakeholders or consumers, depending on each stakeholder's or consumer'spresent or future demand for hydrogen fuel.

The systems and methods of the present disclosure may also enable thecoordination of hydrogen capture, storage, transportation, distribution,and refueling to provide hydrogen fuel to various stakeholders orconsumers depending on the types of vehicles operated by eachstakeholder or consumer, and the frequency or schedule of such operationof such vehicles. In some cases, the systems and methods of the presentdisclosure may be used to generate documents, information, and/orchecklists that various stakeholders (e.g., pilots, ground operators,regulators, air traffic controllers) may need to perform one or morefunctions associated with managing or coordinating the delivery and/orusage of hydrogen, with minimal training.

In an aspect, the present disclosure provides systems and methods forcarbon-free emissions transportation. The method may comprise (a)storing hydrogen fuel in one or more fuel storage modules; (b)transporting the one or more fuel storage modules to a vehicle fuelingsite, wherein one or more hydrogen fuel compatible vehicles are locatedor anticipated to be located at or near the vehicle fueling site; (c)loading the one or more fuel storage modules into the one or morehydrogen fuel compatible vehicles, wherein the one or more fuel storagemodules are configured to be releasably coupled to the one or morehydrogen fuel compatible vehicles; and (d) decoupling the one or morefuel storage modules from the one or more hydrogen fuel compatiblevehicles after the one or more fuel storage modules are depleted orpartially depleted.

In some embodiments, the method may further comprise: (e) refueling theone or more depleted or partially depleted fuel storage modules forredeployment on the one or more hydrogen fuel compatible vehicles.

Embodiments of the disclosed technology provide a hydrogen fuel supplymethod for use by hydrogen-powered vehicles. In some embodiments, themethod comprises receiving at a vehicle fueling site one or more fuelstorage modules, wherein the one or more fuel storage modules are filledwith hydrogen at a hydrogen supply source supply source (which mayinclude, but is not limited to, a hydrogen production facility, pipelineor other transportation conduit, storage container or other intermediatefacility or medium), and wherein each of the one or more fuel storagemodules comprise a storage capsule and a fuel outlet fitting throughwhich hydrogen fuel is dispensed from the storage capsule. Ahydrogen-powered vehicle is received at the vehicle fueling site forfueling, wherein the hydrogen-powered vehicle has a fuel storagecompartment, a fuel system with one or more fuel inlet fittings, and apower plant coupled to the fuel system for receiving hydrogen fuel fromthe fuel system of the hydrogen-powered vehicle. One or more depletedfuel storage modules are removed from the fuel storage compartment ofthe hydrogen-powered vehicle, and the one or more filled fuel storagemodules are loaded into the fuel storage compartment. Each fuel outletfitting is connected to a respective one of the one or more fuel inletfitting to transfer the hydrogen fuel from the fuel storage module tothe fuel system of the hydrogen-powered vehicle. The one or moredepleted fuel storage modules are directed away from the vehicle fuelingsite for refilling at the hydrogen supply source.

The method can include accessing the depleted fuel storage modules inthe hydrogen-powered vehicle, disconnecting the fuel outlet fitting ofthe depleted fuel storage module from the one or more fuel inletfittings, and removing the depleted fuel storage modules from the fuelstorage compartment of the hydrogen-powered vehicle. The method caninclude securing the fuel storage modules to the structure of thehydrogen-powered vehicle in the fuel storage compartment. The method caninclude loading the depleted fuel storage modules onto a transportvehicle for transportation to the hydrogen supply source for refillingwith hydrogen. In some embodiments, the fuel outlet fitting and the fuelinlet fitting are quick connect fittings, and the method includesreleasably interconnecting the mating quick connect fittings. The methodcan include monitoring the health of the fuel storage modules viasensors on the fuel storage modules.

Some embodiments provide a method of hydrogen fuel supply forhydrogen-powered aircrafts, and the method comprises providing at avehicle fueling site the hydrogen-powered aircraft. The aircraft has afuel storage compartment, a fuel system with one or more fuel inletfitting, and a power plant coupled to the fuel system for receivinghydrogen fuel from the fuel system of the aircraft. A first fuel storagemodule that is depleted of hydrogen fuel is disconnected from the fuelsystem and removed from the fuel storage compartment. A second fuelstorage module is loaded from the vehicle fueling site into the fuelstorage compartment, wherein the second fuel storage module ispreviously filled with the hydrogen fuel at a remote hydrogen supplysource. The second fuel storage module comprises a storage capsule and afuel outlet fitting through which hydrogen fuel is dispensed from thestorage capsule. The fuel outlet fitting of the second fuel storagemodule is connected to the fuel inlet fitting of the aircraft's fuelsystem to provide hydrogen fuel for powering the power plant. Thedepleted first fuel storage module is directed away from the vehiclefueling site, and the aircraft is moved away from the vehicle fuelingsite after the first fuel storage module is loaded onto the aircraft.The aircraft is flown along a selected route during which the hydrogenfuel is used and depleted from the first fuel storage module, and theaircraft is returned to the vehicle fueling site for refueling byloading filled fuel storage modules into the aircraft and connecting thefilled fuel storage modules to the aircraft's fuel system.

In some embodiments, the step of disconnecting comprises disconnecting aplurality of depleted first fuel storage modules and removing theplurality of depleted first fuel storage modules. The loading stepcomprises loading a plurality of second fuel storage modules into thefuel storage compartment. The step of refueling can comprise removingthe second fuel storage modules from the aircraft after hydrogen fuel isdepleted therefrom, replacing the removed fuel storage modules with thefilled fuel storage modules, and connecting the fuel outlet fitting ofthe filled fuel storage module to the fuel inlet fitting of theaircraft's fuel system. The method can comprise transporting the firstfuel storage modules from the vehicle fueling facility to a hydrogensupply source for refilling with hydrogen fuel.

In some embodiments, the method may further comprise: determining ademand for the one or more fuel storage modules before transporting theone or more fuel storage modules to the vehicle fueling site. The demandmay be determined based at least in part on a number of vehicles at thefueling site, a frequency of operation of the vehicles, or a distancetravelled by the vehicle during a typical trip.

In some embodiments, the hydrogen may be produced at a hydrogenproduction facility located remote from the vehicle fueling site. Thehydrogen may be processed before storage in one or more fuel storagemodules. Processing the hydrogen may comprise a pressurization step, aliquefaction step, and/or a purification step. In some embodiments, thehydrogen may be processed to change a pressure, a temperature, and/or adensity of the hydrogen before storage.

In some embodiments, the one or more fuel storage modules may beconfigured to be releasably coupled to the one or more hydrogen fuelcompatible vehicles using a coupling mechanism. In some embodiments, thecoupling mechanism may comprise a quick release coupling mechanism.

In some embodiments, the one or more fuel storage modules may have asize, shape, form factor, or configuration compatible with (a) equipmentat a hydrogen production facility, (b) one or more transport vehiclesfor transporting the fuel storage modules, and (c) the one or morehydrogen fuel compatible vehicles. The one or more hydrogen fuelcompatible vehicles may be converted or retrofitted to be compatiblewith the one or more fuel storage modules. The one or more hydrogen fuelcompatible vehicles may comprise one or more hydrogen fuel cellsconfigured to generate electricity using the hydrogen fuel stored withinthe one or more fuel storage modules. The one or more hydrogen fuelcompatible vehicles may comprise an engine configured to combust thehydrogen fuel stored within the one or more fuel storage modules.

In some embodiments, the fuel storage modules may comprise a pluralityof materials. In some embodiments, the fuel storage modules may comprisea first material configured to contain the hydrogen. In someembodiments, the first material may comprise an impermeable orsemi-permeable membrane. In some embodiments, the fuel storage modulesmay comprise a second material configured to carry a stress exerted onone or more inner walls of the fuel storage modules by the hydrogen. Insome embodiments, the second material may comprise a carbon fiber weave.In some embodiments, the fuel storage modules may comprise a thirdmaterial configured to provide thermal insulation for the hydrogen. Insome embodiments, the fuel storage modules may comprise a fourthmaterial configured to provide abrasion resistance and impact resistancefor the fuel storage modules. In some embodiments, the fourth materialmay comprise a synthetic fiber.

In some embodiments, the method may further comprise coordinating thetransportation of the fuel storage modules based at least in part on (a)current and future production rates for the hydrogen, (b) current,historical, and projected energy prices, (c) expected transit times, (d)a location of one or more hydrogen production facilities, (e) aproduction capacity of the one or more hydrogen production facilities,(f) transport logistics for a given consumption or demand profile, (g)an availability of one or more modes of transport, (h) a location of oneor more vehicle fueling sites, (i) a current or future willingness ofconsumers to pay for the hydrogen, or (j) a level of service guarantee.Coordinating the transportation of the fuel storage modules may minimizeproduction and transportation costs and may maximize on-time deliveries.

In some embodiments, the method may further comprise monitoring one ormore parameters associated with the one or more fuel storage modules,through a life of the fuel storage modules. In some embodiments, the oneor more parameters may comprise a temperature of the hydrogen storedwithin the fuel storage modules, a pressure of the hydrogen storedwithin the fuel storage modules, a velocity or an acceleration of thehydrogen fuel storage modules, an amount of gas venting or leakage fromthe fuel storage modules, a load exerted on the fuel storage modules dueto an acceleration or a deceleration of the fuel storage modules, a loadexerted on the fuel storage modules due to one or more vibrations orshocks, or any changes thereof over a predetermined period of time.

Another aspect of the present disclosure provides a non-transitorycomputer readable medium comprising machine executable code that, uponexecution by one or more computer processors, implements any of themethods above or elsewhere herein.

Another aspect of the present disclosure provides a system comprisingone or more computer processors and computer memory coupled thereto. Thecomputer memory comprises machine executable code that, upon executionby the one or more computer processors, implements any of the methodsabove or elsewhere herein.

In some cases, there is a need to provide a lightweight hydrogen storagevessel that does not use or require epoxy to seal the vessel or make thevessel impermeable. Disclosed are one or more hydrogen vessels that arelightweight and do not require a coating of epoxy or resin.Additionally, disclosed is a method for producing the hydrogen vessel.

In an aspect, a vessel for storing a fluid is disclosed. The vesselcomprises a flexible, non-rigid braided layer covering an enclosure inwhich the fluid is stored. The braided layer comprises a plurality offiber patterns braided or weaved in two or more different directions tosupport different pressure loads exerted by the fluid against aninternal surface of the enclosure along axial directions and radialdirections. In some embodiments, the vessel does not require substantialuse of epoxy for sealing the vessel or to reduce gas permeability. Thebraided layer comprises a high-modulus high-tensile strength fiber. Insome embodiments, the braided layer comprises carbon fiber. In someembodiments, the vessel further comprises a barrier layer and aninsulation layer adjacent to the braided layer.

In some embodiments, the vessel further comprises a load transferinterface for transferring axial loads from the fiber in the braidedlayer using incremental shear and frictional forces. In someembodiments, the load transfer interface comprises a pair of ringslocated at an opening of the vessel. In some embodiments, the loadtransfer interface comprises an end fitting made of metal. In someembodiments, the pair of rings are nested and concentric to each other.In some embodiments, the pair of rings are shaped and sized/profiled totransition axial loads from the fiber in the braided layer. In someembodiments, the load transfer interface is configured to increaseclamping load with increased axial loading from the braided layer. Insome embodiments, the fluid is a gas or a liquid. In some embodiments,the fluid comprises hydrogen.

Aspects of the disclosed technology provide a fuel storage module forstoring hydrogen fuel that comprises a protective, substantially rigidexternal frame structure, and a hydrogen fuel storage capsule carried bythe frame structure. The capsule can comprise an inner first layerdefining an interior volume that contains hydrogen fuel therein, thefirst layer comprising a material substantially hydrogen-impervious toprevent the hydrogen from passing through the inner layer. Afiber-reinforced woven second layer is adjacent to and radially outwardof the first layer, wherein the second layer captures and supports thefirst layer and carries stresses from loads generated by the hydrogenfuel in the interior volume. An abrasion resistant third layer encasesthe second layer, with the second layer positioned between the third andfirst layers, wherein the third layer provides a protective coating overthe second layer. An end closure is coupled to the first, second, andthird layers. The end closure has a first portion secured to the secondportion and fixedly capturing an end portion of the second layer betweenthe first and second portions to resolve stresses in the fibers of thesecond layer when hydrogen fuel in the interior volume is underpressure. A hydrogen flow control assembly is coupled to the end closureand communicating with the hydrogen fuel in the interior volume. A fueloutlet fitting is coupled to the hydrogen flow control assembly andconfigured to releasably connect to a fuel input of a hydrogen-poweredvehicle.

In some embodiments, the fiber-reinforced woven second layer comprisesaligned fibers and is free of a matrix and/or is free of epoxy. Thesecond layer can comprise a braided carbon fiber sleeve. The secondlayer can have opposing top and bottom end portions, and the end closureis a first end closure coupled to the top end portion. The storagemodule further can have a second end closure coupled to the bottom endportion of the second layer. Sensors can be mounted to the first orsecond end closure or can be positioned to detect the condition of thehydrogen fuel in the interior volume. An insulation layer can beprovided adjacent to the second layer. The end closure can comprise aload transfer interface for transferring axial loads from the fiber inthe second layer using incremental shear and frictional forces. In someembodiments the first and second portions of the end closure are nestedand concentric to each other. The hydrogen flow control assembly cancomprise a flow valve, a pressure regulator, and/or a control modulecoupled to the pressure regulator.

Additional aspects and advantages of the present disclosure will becomereadily apparent to those skilled in this art from the followingdetailed description, wherein only illustrative embodiments of thepresent disclosure are shown and described. As will be realized, thepresent disclosure is capable of other and different embodiments, andits several details are capable of modifications in various obviousrespects, all without departing from the disclosure. Accordingly, thedrawings and description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature,and not as restrictive.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The novel features of the invention are set forth with particularity inthe appended claims. A better understanding of the features andadvantages of the present invention will be obtained by reference to thefollowing detailed description that sets forth illustrative embodiments,in which the principles of the invention are utilized, and theaccompanying drawings (also “Figure” and “FIG.” herein), of which:

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a hydrogen-fueled vehicle, shown as anaircraft, that receives one or more hydrogen fuel storage modules inaccordance with an embodiment of the present technology.

FIG. 2A schematically illustrates an end-to-end framework for enablingcarbon-free transportation, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 2B schematically illustrates an example of an end-to-end frameworkfor storing and transporting hydrogen, in accordance with someembodiments.

FIG. 3A is an isometric view of a hydrogen fuel storage module inaccordance with some embodiments of the present technology.

FIG. 3B schematically illustrates the hydrogen fuel storage module, inaccordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 3C is a partially cut-away isometric view of a capsule of the fuelstorage module in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 4A illustrates fuel storage modules loading into a transportcontainer in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 4B illustrates a transport vehicle in accordance with someembodiments.

FIG. 4C is an isometric view of a loading frame containing a pluralityof fuel storage modules in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 4D is an isometric view of the loading frame of FIG. 4C shownremoved from the fuel storage modules.

FIG. 4E is an isometric view of a plurality of loading frames and fuelstorage modules in a shipping container.

FIG. 4F is an isometric view of a plurality of fuel storage modules in ashipping container without using the loading frames.

FIG. 5A schematically illustrates an example of an aircraft that may beretrofitted for carbon-free transportation, in accordance with someembodiments.

FIG. 5B is a partially transparent schematic view of the aircraftconfigured for use with the hydrogen fuel storage modules in accordancewith embodiments of the present technology.

FIGS. 6A, 6B, 6C, 6D, 6E, and 6F schematically illustrate variouspacking configurations for a plurality of hydrogen fuel storage modules,in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 7 is an elevation view of fuel storage modules releasably retainedin a fuel storage area and releasably retained in place by one or morecoupling mechanisms.

FIG. 8 is a schematic image of a fuel interface system that operativelycouples the capsules of the fuel storage modules to a hydrogen fuelsystem of the vehicle.

FIG. 9 illustrates quick connect fittings of the fuel interface systemand the hydrogen fuel system of the vehicle in accordance with someembodiments.

FIG. 10 is a partially exploded isometric view of layers of a storagevessel, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 11 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a storage vessel, inaccordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 12 is a partial sectional cut-out view of a storage vessel, inaccordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 13 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of an upper portion of thestorage vessel, in accordance with another embodiment.

FIG. 14 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of an upper portion of thestorage vessel, in accordance with yet another embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a schematic flow chart illustrating a process of forming astorage vessel, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 16 is a schematic illustration of a computer system programmed orotherwise configured to implement methods provided herein.

FIG. 17 is a schematic illustration of a converted aircraft configuredto receive one or more hydrogen fuel storage modules, in accordance withsome embodiments.

FIGS. 18A and 18B are schematic illustrations of a hydrogen fuelnetwork, in accordance with some embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

While various embodiments of the invention have been shown and describedherein, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that suchembodiments are provided by way of example only. Numerous variations,changes, and substitutions may occur to those skilled in the art withoutdeparting from the invention. It should be understood that variousalternatives to the embodiments of the invention described herein may beemployed.

Whenever the term “at least,” “greater than,” or “greater than or equalto” precedes the first numerical value in a series of two or morenumerical values, the term “at least,” “greater than,” or “greater thanor equal to” applies to each of the numerical values in that series ofnumerical values. For example, greater than or equal to 1, 2, or 3 isequivalent to greater than or equal to 1, greater than or equal to 2, orgreater than or equal to 3.

Whenever the term “no more than,” “less than,” or “less than or equalto” precedes the first numerical value in a series of two or morenumerical values, the term “no more than,” “less than,” or “less than orequal to” applies to each of the numerical values in that series ofnumerical values. For example, less than or equal to 3, 2, or 1 isequivalent to less than or equal to 3, less than or equal to 2, or lessthan or equal to 1.

In an aspect, the present technology described in this disclosureprovides components, systems, and methods for enabling carbon-freeemissions transportation. The components, systems, and methods of thepresent disclosure may be used for capturing, transporting,distributing, and using hydrogen as a fuel source. The components,systems, and methods disclosed herein may provide for consistent, safe,efficient, and robust handling, transportation, distribution, and usageof hydrogen stored in fuel-storage modules. The components, systems, andmethods may be used to implement an end-to-end framework for carbon-freeemissions transportation. The components, systems, and methods mayprovide a passively safe end-to-end framework for carbon-freetransportation that does not require an active agent or entity tomonitor the transportation or utilization of hydrogen to ensure safetyif a failure occurs. Hydrogen may be transported along the end-to-endframework in a plurality of fuel storage modules easily loadable intoand out of vehicles. The fuel storage modules may not or need notrequire pumping of hydrogen. The fuel storage modules may be filled upat one or more hydrogen production facilities and may be easily loadedinto transport vehicles (e.g., cars, trucks, trains, or ships) fortransportation to one or more vehicle fueling sites for loading onto aselected vehicle. Accordingly, the system can enable a fueling processwith only a single transfer of hydrogen fuel between vessels (i.e., afuel transfer only at the production facility or other supply sourceinto the fuel storage module, before the hydrogen is loaded onto andused to power the vehicle).

The fuel storage modules of embodiments disclosed herein are lightweightand easily stored for transport. The fuel storage modules may beconfigured to insulate the hydrogen and minimize changes to thetemperature and/or pressure of the hydrogen contained within the storagemodules. The fuel storage modules may also be configured to store thehydrogen in a controlled environment while minimizing damage (e.g.,punctures, perforations, tears, etc.) to the fuel storage modules due toabrasions or impact forces that may be experienced during transport. Thefuel storage modules may be modular and compatible with a variety ofvehicles. The fuel storage modules may be configured to fit withinaircraft dimensional and operational constraints. The fuel storagemodules may allow for a minimization of an amount or a complexity ofequipment needed to capture hydrogen fuel from remote sources (e.g.,production facilities) and to interface the storage modules withpropulsion systems of vehicles compatible or made to be compatible withsuch storage modules.

The fuel storage modules of embodiments disclosed herein are configuredto easily couple to and/or interface with hydrogen production orhydrogen processing equipment for efficient filling of the storagemodules. The fuel storage modules may be configured to easily decouplefrom hydrogen production and processing equipment for efficienttransitioning from filling of the tanks to loading of the tanks into atransportation vehicle for delivery to one or more vehicle fuelingsites. The fuel storage modules may be configured to easily couple toand/or interface with one or more quick release adapters or mechanismsthat may be integrated into hydrogen fuel compatible vehicles for moreefficient loading of the fuel storage modules into such vehicles. Thefuel storage modules may be configured to easily decouple from one ormore quick release adapters or mechanisms to enable quick removal andreplacement of spent fuel storage modules. The hydrogen fuel storagemodules may have a design or form factor (e.g., a size and/or a shape)compatible with one or more systems for providing hydrogen fuel,transporting hydrogen fuel, distributing hydrogen fuel, using hydrogenfuel for movement or transportation, and/or replacing or refilling spentfuel storage modules. The systems and methods of the present disclosuremay provide an added benefit of reducing expenses and an amount of timerequired to fill the hydrogen fuel storage modules and to load and/orunload the storage modules into various hydrogen fuel compatiblevehicles.

Vehicles

The systems and methods disclosed herein may be used to provide hydrogenfuel to one or more vehicles with hydrogen-powered propulsion systems.In at least one embodiment, the one or more vehicles are, for example,airplanes and/or aircraft. FIG. 1 illustrates an aircraft 10 configuredto removably receive one or more hydrogen fuel storage modules 20 into afuel module storage area 22 or other compartment through a service door24. The hydrogen fuel storage modules 20 are connectable to the aircraftfuel system to provide the hydrogen fuel to power the aircraft's one ormore power plants 26. The hydrogen fuel storage modules 20 are easilyand safely loaded onto or off of the aircraft 10 by a transport orloading vehicle 28 with a conveyance assembly 30 to position thehydrogen fuel storage module 20 at and in alignment with the openservice door 24 for smooth and simple movement into or out of theaircraft's fuel module storage area 22. Although the illustratedembodiment shows the vehicle as an aircraft 10, other embodiments inaccordance with the present technology can include other vehicles.

In embodiments wherein the vehicle is an aircraft, the aircraft maycomprise civilian turbojet aircraft of any size or category, e.g.,wide-body turbojet aircraft, narrow-body turbojet aircraft, regionalturbojet aircraft, and/or business turbojet aircraft. The aircraft maycomprise civilian turboprop or piston powered aircraft of any size orcategory, e.g., regional turboprop and piston powered aircraft, commuterturboprop and piston powered aircraft, and/or any other type ofturboprop or piston powered aircraft. The aircraft may comprise militaryturbojet aircraft of any size or category, or military turboprop andpiston powered aircraft of any size or category. The aircraft maycomprise aircraft configured for long-haul flights, medium-haul flights,and/or short-haul flights. In some cases, the aircraft may comprise, forexample, commercial airplanes such as jumbo passenger jets, mid-sizepassenger jets, light passenger jets, passenger turboprops, and/or cargoairplanes. In other cases, the aircraft may comprise private jetsincluding, for example, very light jets, light business jets, mid-sizebusiness jets, heavy business jets, or military jets. Alternatively, theaircraft may comprise private single engine planes, twin turbopropplanes, aerobatic planes, or amphibious planes. In some cases, theaircraft may comprise a vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) aircraft. Inother cases, the aircraft may comprise one or more air taxis. Thecomponents, systems, and methods of the present disclosure can bemodified and/or adapted for use with any type of aircraft or aerialvehicle.

In some embodiments, the aircraft may comprise a rotorcraft such as ahelicopter. In some instances, the rotorcraft may be a multi-rotor craftthat may include a plurality of rotors. The plurality of rotors may becapable of rotating to generate lift for the rotorcraft. The rotors maybe propulsion units that may enable the rotorcraft to move about freelythrough the air. The rotors may rotate at the same rate and/or maygenerate the same amount of lift or thrust. The rotors may optionallyrotate at varying rates, which may generate different amounts of lift orthrust and/or permit the rotorcraft to rotate. In some instances, one,two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, or more rotors maybe provided on a rotorcraft. The rotors may be arranged so that theiraxes of rotation are parallel to one another. In some instances, therotors may have axes of rotation at any angle relative to one another,which may affect the motion of the rotorcraft.

The aircraft may be manned (i.e., operated by a passenger on or in theaircraft). The aircraft may be unmanned (i.e., operated by an individualwho is not on or in the aircraft). The aircraft may be autonomous orsemi-autonomous. In some cases, the aircraft may be capable ofresponding to commands from a remote controller. The remote controllermay not and need not be physically connected to the aircraft, and maycommunicate with the aircraft wirelessly from a distance. In someinstances, the aircraft may be capable of operating autonomously orsemi-autonomously. The aircraft may be capable of following a set ofpre-programmed instructions. In some instances, the aircraft may operatesemi-autonomously by responding to one or more commands from a remotecontroller while otherwise operating autonomously. For instance, one ormore commands from a remote controller may initiate a sequence ofautonomous or semi-autonomous actions by the aircraft in accordance withone or more parameters.

In some cases, the one or more vehicles may comprise a land-bound,underground, underwater, water surface, aerial, or space-based vehicle.The one or more vehicles may be configured to move within any suitableenvironment, such as in air (e.g., a fixed-wing aircraft, a rotary-wingaircraft, or an aircraft having neither fixed wings nor rotary wingssuch as a hot air balloon or a blimp), in water (e.g., a ship or asubmarine), on ground (e.g., a motor vehicle, such as a car, truck, bus,van, motorcycle, bicycle, or a train), underground (e.g., a subway), inspace (e.g., a spaceplane, a satellite, or a probe), or any combinationof these environments.

The one or more vehicles may be capable of moving freely within theenvironment with respect to six axes of freedom (e.g., three axes offreedom in translation and three axes of freedom in rotation).Alternatively, the movement of the one or more vehicles can beconstrained with respect to one or more axes of freedom, such as by apredetermined path, track, or orientation. The movement can be actuatedby any suitable actuation mechanism, such as an engine, a motor, or ahydrogen electric propulsion system as described below. The actuationmechanism of the one or more vehicles can be powered by any suitableenergy source, such as hydrogen, or any energy source derivable fromhydrogen, such as electrical energy. The one or more vehicles may beself-propelled via a propulsion system, as described elsewhere herein.

In some instances, the one or more vehicles may be self-propelled, suchas self-propelled through the air, on or in water, in space, or on orunder the ground. A self-propelled vehicle can utilize a propulsionsystem, such as a propulsion system including one or more engines,motors, wheels, axles, magnets, rotors, propellers, blades, nozzles, orany suitable combination thereof. In some instances, the propulsionsystem can be used to enable the one or more vehicles to take off from asurface, land on a surface, maintain its current position and/ororientation (e.g., hover), change orientation, and/or change position.

The propulsion system may comprise one or more propulsion mechanisms.The one or more propulsion mechanisms may comprise one or more ofrotors, propellers, blades, engines, motors, wheels, axles, magnets, ornozzles. The vehicles described herein may have one or more, two ormore, three or more, or four or more propulsion mechanisms. Thepropulsion mechanisms may all be of the same type. Alternatively, one ormore propulsion mechanisms can be different types of propulsionmechanisms. The propulsion mechanisms can be mounted on the vehicleusing any suitable means. The propulsion mechanisms can be mounted onany suitable portion of the vehicle, such on the top, bottom, front,back, sides, or suitable combinations thereof.

In some embodiments, the propulsion mechanisms can enable the vehicle totake off vertically from a surface or land vertically on a surfacewithout requiring any horizontal movement of the vehicle (e.g., withouttraveling down a runway). The movement of the one or more vehicles canbe actuated by any suitable actuation mechanism, such as an engine or amotor. The actuation mechanism of the one or more vehicles can bepowered by any suitable energy source, such as electrical energygenerated using one or more fuel cells. The vehicle may beself-propelled via the propulsion system. One or more of the propulsionmechanisms may be controlled independently of the other propulsionmechanisms. Alternatively, the propulsion mechanisms can be configuredto be controlled simultaneously.

The one or more vehicles can be controlled remotely by a user orcontrolled locally by an occupant within or on the one or more vehicles.In some embodiments, the one or more vehicles may be an unmanned movableobject, such as a UAV. The unmanned movable object, such as a UAV, maynot have an occupant onboard the unmanned movable object. The unmannedmovable object can be controlled by a human or an autonomous controlsystem (e.g., a computer control system), or any suitable combinationthereof. The unmanned movable object can be an autonomous orsemi-autonomous robot, such as a robot configured with an artificialintelligence.

The one or more vehicles can have any suitable size and/or dimensions.In some embodiments, the one or more vehicles may be of a size and/ordimensions to have a human occupant within or on the vehicle.Alternatively, the one or more vehicles may be of size and/or dimensionssmaller than that capable of having a human occupant within or on thevehicle. In some instances, the one or more vehicles may have a maximumdimension (e.g., length, width, height, diameter, diagonal) about 1 m, 2m, 3 m, 4 m, 5 m, 10 m, 20 m, 30 m, 40 m, 50 m, or greater. In someembodiments, the one or more vehicles can be configured to carry a load.The load can include one or more passengers, cargo, equipment,instruments, fuel storage modules, and the like.

The one or more vehicles may be converted or retrofitted with equipmentto be compatible with the hydrogen fuel storage modules describedherein. Alternatively, the one or more vehicles may be based on aclean-sheet design such that the one or more vehicles are specificallydesigned to be compatible with the hydrogen storage modules describedherein.

The one or more converted, retrofitted, or clean-sheet design vehiclesmay be configured to use hydrogen contained with one or more hydrogenfuel storage modules for propulsion. The vehicle 10 (FIG. 1) maycomprise one or more systems or subsystems configured to operativelycouple to the hydrogen fuel storage modules 20. In some cases, thevehicle may have a fuel cell system 32 which may include one or morefuel cells 34. The fuel cells 34 may generate electricity through anelectrochemical reaction between fuels. In some cases, the fuels maycomprise hydrogen stored and transported using the hydrogen storagemodules 20 described herein. The electricity generated by the fuel cellsmay be used to power one or more power plants 26 (i.e., motors orengines) of the vehicle 10. In some embodiments, excess electricitygenerated by the fuel cells 34 may be stored in one or more energystorage units 36 (e.g., batteries) for future use. In some optionalembodiments, the fuel cell system 32 may also have an electrolysismodule in addition to the fuel cell. Electrolysis of a byproduct of thefuel cell electrochemical reaction (e.g., water) may allow the byproductto be removed, through decomposition of the byproduct into its elements(e.g., oxygen and hydrogen). Electrolysis of the byproduct can alsogenerate additional fuel for the fuel cell. The electrolysis module maybe powered by a renewable energy source.

As described above, the hydrogen stored in the hydrogen fuel storagemodules 20 (FIG. 1) may be provided to the vehicle 10 to power thevehicle. In some cases, the hydrogen may be used to power a fuel cell 34to generate electricity. The electricity generated by the fuel cell maybe used to drive one or more electric motors and/or one or morepropellers 38. The electricity generated by the fuel cell 34 may be usedto drive one or more electric motors operatively coupled to a propeller,a shrouded fan, or an un-shrouded fan. In other cases, the hydrogen canbe burned in a jet engine, a turbofan engine, a turboprop engine, aturboshaft engine, a turbojet engine, or any other type of internalcombustion engine compatible with any of the vehicles described herein.In some cases, the hydrogen may be provided to a H₂ propulsion system.The propulsion system may be configured to generate electricity anddrive an electric motor and/or one or more propellers. In some cases,the hydrogen may be burned in a turbofan and/or used to drive apropeller, a shrouded fan, or an un-shrouded fan in any type of vehicleor aircraft.

The hydrogen fuel storage module 20 of the present technology is acomponent of an end-to-end hydrogen-fuel based system or framework toefficiently and effectively enable hydrogen-powered transportation withno carbon-based fuel and no carbon emissions. For example, FIG. 2Aillustrates an end-to-end process or framework 40 for implementingcarbon-free emissions transportation in accordance with aspects of thepresent technology. The end-to-end framework 40 of the illustratedembodiment comprises a step of interfacing one or more hydrogen fuelstorage modules 20 with hydrogen production and hydrogen processingequipment located at a hydrogen supply source (which may include, but isnot limited to, a hydrogen production facility, pipeline or othertransportation conduit, storage container or other intermediate facilityor medium). For example, the hydrogen fuel modules can be filled withhydrogen directly from a production facility 42 at highly controlledtemperatures, pressures, and other operating conditions. The hydrogenmay be processed (e.g., through a pressurization or liquefaction step)to increase the pressure of the hydrogen, decrease the pressure of thehydrogen, increase the temperature of the hydrogen, decrease thetemperature of the hydrogen, increase the density of the hydrogen,and/or decrease the density of the hydrogen for storage andtransportation purposes within the filled hydrogen fuel modules.

The illustrated end-to-end framework comprises another step of capturingand storing hydrogen produced at a hydrogen production facility 42directly in the one or more hydrogen fuel storage modules 20.Accordingly, the illustrated end-to-end framework allows for a singlehydrogen fuel transfer into the hydrogen fuel storage modules 20 at thestorage vessel before the hydrogen is delivered as fuel for thepropulsion system of the vehicle. This single transfer eliminates thesubstantially significant loss of hydrogen that can occur in thetransfer of hydrogen between storage vessels. The filled hydrogen fuelstorage modules 20 may be placed within a transport vehicle 44 fortransport and distribution, such as based on fuel demands and forecastsat selected locations.

The illustrated end-to-end framework comprises another step oftransporting and distributing the hydrogen stored in the one or morehydrogen fuel storage modules 20 to one or more vehicle fueling sites46. The one or more vehicle fueling sites 46 may be, for example, ahydrogen fuel storage module loading station, an airport, a hangar, orany location where a hydrogen fuel compatible vehicle may be positionedfor loading or unloading hydrogen fuel storage modules 20, therebyfueling or refueling the vehicle with hydrogen fuel. In some cases, thehydrogen fuel storage modules 20 may be used as onboard fuel tanks onceloaded into the hydrogen fuel compatible vehicle (e.g., the aircraft 10(FIG. 1)). One or more hydrogen fuel compatible vehicles 48, such as theaircraft 10 (FIG. 1), may be located in or near the vehicle fuelingsites 46.

The illustrated end-to-end framework 40 comprises another step ofloading the hydrogen storage modules 20 onto the one or more hydrogenfuel compatible vehicles 48, such as the aircraft 10 (FIG. 1). Theend-to-end framework 40 may comprise another step of unloading thehydrogen fuel storage modules 20 from the vehicles 48 after the hydrogenfuel storage modules 20 are used or depleted during an operation of thevehicles 48. The end-to-end framework 40 may comprise another step ofrefilling and/or recycling any spent or partially spent hydrogen fuelstorage modules 20. Some hydrogen fuel storage modules 20 may notrequire filling or refilling if used for reserve fuel purposes. In somecases, the spent or partially spent hydrogen fuel storage modules 20 maybe transported back to a hydrogen production facility 42 or otherstorage facility for refilling or refueling.

FIG. 2B illustrates another example of a process or framework 40 forimplementing carbon-free emissions transportation in accordance withaspects of the present technology. Hydrogen gas produced and stored at aregional hydrogen production facility 180 may be used to fuel, refuel,and/or recharge 181 one or more fuel storage modules 20. The rechargedfuel storage modules 20 may be transported 182 via an ISO (InternationalOrganization for Standardization) container to a first airport localstorage 183. The recharged modules 20 may be loaded 184 onto a vehicle,such as an aircraft 10 (FIG. 1), and an operator may concurrentlyperform one or more connection and/or functional checks. After theaircraft loading, connection, and systems checks 185 are completed, theaircraft 10 may taxi and takeoff 186.

During flight wherein the hydrogen fuel is drawn from the hydrogen fuelstorage modules 20 to power the aircraft's power plants 26, the aircraftmay be configured to perform in-flight performance monitoring 187 of thehydrogen fuel storage modules 20 or the fuel cells operatively coupledto the hydrogen fuel storage modules 20. Upon reaching its destination,the aircraft 10 (FIG. 1) may land 188 and taxi to a terminal. Thedepleted hydrogen fuel storage modules 20 may be disconnected 189 forremoval and placement in local storage. In some cases, the removedhydrogen fuel storage modules 20 may be moved to a second airport localstorage 190 a. In other cases, the aircraft 10 may undergo inspection190 b, in which case the removed hydrogen fuel storage modules 20 mayalso be inspected before being loaded 184 onto an aircraft 10 again. Incases where the removed hydrogen fuel storage modules 20 are moved tothe second airport local storage 190 a, the hydrogen fuel storagemodules 20 may undergo module inspection and checkout 191.

In some cases, performance data 192 associated with the hydrogen fuelstorage modules 20 may be provided to an engineering team forassessment. In some cases, there may be an assessment as to whethermaintenance, repair, and/or overhaul 193 is needed. In cases where theaircraft 10 and/or the hydrogen fuel storage modules 20 undergoinspection 190 b, there may also be an assessment as to whethermaintenance, repair, and/or overhaul 193 is needed. If maintenance,repair, and/or overhaul 193 is needed, the expended modules 20 may betransported 194 via an intermodal freight container to a materials andservices station 195 and/or a repair depot 196. After repair, theexpended hydrogen fuel storage modules 20 may be transported 197 back toa hydrogen production facility 110 for refilling and/or refueling of thefuel storage modules. On the other hand, if maintenance, repair, and/oroverhaul 193 is not needed, the expended hydrogen fuel storage modules20 may be transported 197 back to a hydrogen production or supplyfacility for refilling and/or refueling of the hydrogen fuel storagemodules 20.

Production

The hydrogen may be produced at one or more hydrogen productionfacilities 180 (FIG. 2A). The one or more hydrogen production facilities180 may be configured to produce hydrogen using renewable sources ofenergy, and/or available grid power. In some alternative embodiments,the one or more hydrogen production facilities 180 may be configured toproduce hydrogen by processing fuels such as biomass. In some cases, thehydrogen may be produced using electrolysis. During electrolysis, anelectric current may split water into hydrogen and oxygen. The electriccurrent may be produced from a renewable or carbon-free energy source.In some cases, the hydrogen may be produced by natural gas reformingand/or gasification. Natural gas reforming and/or gasification mayutilize a synthesis gas (e.g., a mixture of hydrogen, carbon monoxide,and a small amount of carbon dioxide) created by reacting natural gaswith high-temperature steam. Carbon monoxide may be reacted with waterto produce additional hydrogen. The synthesis gas can also be created byreacting biomass with high-temperature steam and oxygen in a pressurizedgasifier, which is converted into gaseous components through agasification process. The resulting synthesis gas contains hydrogen andcarbon monoxide, which is reacted with steam to separate the hydrogen.In other cases, the hydrogen may be produced using renewable liquidreforming. In such cases, renewable liquid fuels, such as ethanol, maybe reacted with high-temperature steam to produce hydrogen.Alternatively, the hydrogen may be produced using fermentation. Duringfermentation, biomass may be converted into sugar-rich feedstocks thatcan be fermented to produce hydrogen.

In some cases, the hydrogen may be produced using high-temperature watersplitting, whereby high temperatures generated by solar concentrators ornuclear reactors drive chemical reactions that split water to producehydrogen. In some cases, the hydrogen may be produced usingphotobiological water splitting, whereby microbes, such as green algae,consume water in the presence of sunlight, producing hydrogen as abyproduct. In some cases, the hydrogen may be produced usingphotoelectrochemical water splitting, whereby photoelectrochemicalsystems produce hydrogen from water using special semiconductors andenergy from sunlight.

In some cases, the hydrogen may be derived from a hydrogen-richmaterial, for example, organic matter such as biomass and hydrocarbons.In some embodiments, the hydrogen may be derived from one or morehydrocarbon fuels including methanol, ethanol, natural gas, or chemicalhydrides. In some other embodiments, the hydrogen may be derived fromnon-carbon containing compounds, such as ammonia (NH₃) or borohydrides(BH₄ ⁻).

Fueling the Storage Module

In at least one embodiment, the hydrogen produced at a hydrogenproduction facility 180 (FIG. 2B) is transferred directly to and storedin one or more of the fuel storage modules 20 (FIGS. 2A, 2B). Prior tostorage, the hydrogen may undergo one or more processing steps (e.g.,pressurization, liquefaction, and/or purification in cases where theproduction method leaves residual impurities or introduced impurities).FIG. 3A is an isometric view of a hydrogen fuel storage module 20 inaccordance with at least one embodiment of the present technology. Thehydrogen fuel storage module 20 of the illustrated embodiment includes asupport frame or truss 50 that securely retains one or more tanks orcapsules 52 that contain the hydrogen fuel 54. The hydrogen fuel storagemodule 20 of the illustrated embodiment has two capsules 52 stackedvertically (i.e., one capsule 52 above the other) within the truss 50.The hydrogen fuel storage module 20 of other embodiments, however, canhave a different number of capsules 52 (i.e., one or more than two). Themodules 20 can also have a different storage arrangement of the capsules52, such as horizontally side-by-side, or side-by-side horizontally andvertically, or other orientations.

The capsules 52 of the fuel storage modules 20 are filled at thehydrogen production facility 180 (FIG. 2B) via one or more fuelinjection ports 56 connected to the capsules 52. The fuel injectionports 56 are configured to transfer the hydrogen fuel from an externalsource of hydrogen fuel into the one or more storage capsules 52 in eachof the fuel storage modules 20. The one or more fuel storage modules 20may be configured to interface with hydrogen production equipment orhydrogen processing equipment at the hydrogen production facility 180(FIG. 2B). In some cases, the hydrogen processing equipment may compriseequipment configured for pressurization, liquefaction, or purificationof hydrogen. The hydrogen may be initially supplied to the hydrogen fuelstorage container via a fuel injection port until (i) the pressure ofthe hydrogen fuel in the fuel storage module reaches a predeterminedpressure threshold or (ii) the mass of the hydrogen fuel reaches apredetermined mass threshold. The capsules 52 can also include one ormore filters positioned and configured to filter the flow of hydrogenfuel prior to entering the fuel system of the aircraft or other vehicle.

In one embodiment, the capsules 52 of each hydrogen fuel storage module20 (FIG. 3A) are configured to store the gaseous hydrogen at pressuresof up to approximately 850 Bar, and with a mass of approximately 70 kgand a mass fraction in the range of 15%-20% (e.g., 17%). In thisembodiment, each fuel storage module 20 weighs in the range ofapproximately 400 kg-450 kg. In the embodiment wherein the hydrogen fuelis liquid hydrogen, the module stores approximately 90 kg-100 kg offuel, with mass fraction in the range of about 25%-30% (e.g., 28%), amodule weight in the range of approximately 320 kg-360 kg (e.g., 343kg), and hold time of approximately 30-50 hrs (e.g., 40 hrs.). Thecapsules 52 for gaseous hydrogen can be interchangeable within the truss50 with capsules 52 for liquid hydrogen.

In one embodiment, each hydrogen fuel storage module 20 has one or morecontrol modules 58 coupled to the storage capsules 52 and configured tomonitor the pressure of the fuel and to shut off the supply of thehydrogen fuel to the fuel storage container when the pressure of thehydrogen fuel in the storage container reaches the predeterminedpressure threshold. In other embodiments, the hydrogen productionfacility also has control modules for monitoring fuel pressures in thehydrogen fuel storage modules 52 being filled and controlling the supplyor shut off of the hydrogen fuel flow during the filling process. Inother embodiments, other external control or communication modules inthe framework can monitor the health of the hydrogen fuel storagemodules.

As described above, the hydrogen may be loaded and stored in one or morehydrogen fuel storage modules 20. As used herein, the term “hydrogenfuel storage module” may be referred to interchangeably as a “fuelstorage module,” a “fuel storage container,” or a “fuel storage tank.”The hydrogen storage module may be or include a container, tank,bladder, or vessel configured to hold hydrogen. The hydrogen storagemodule may be configured to hold a volume of a gaseous or a liquid fuel.

The fuel storage module 20 may be configured to store a fuel. The fuelmay serve as a fuel source for a hydrogen fuel cell or ahydrogen-combusting engine. The hydrogen fuel cell may be used togenerate electricity using an electrochemical reaction. The fuel may behydrogen provided in a gaseous state or a liquid state. The fuel may bestored as a compressed gas, as a liquefied gas, or as a liquid under itsown vapor pressure. In cases where the hydrogen serves as a fuel sourcefor a hydrogen-combusting engine, the hydrogen-combusting engine may beconfigured to utilize the hydrogen to conduct one or more thermochemicalreactions (e.g., an oxidation reaction or a combustion reaction) to moveor propel a vehicle comprising the hydrogen-combusting engine.

The fuel storage module 20 may have a design or form factor configuredto be compatible with various vehicles. For example, the fuel storagemodules 20 of the illustrated embodiment are shaped and sized to beloaded into and securely retained in a fuel compartment of an aircraft10 (FIG. 1) or other vehicle through the vehicle's service door 24 (FIG.1). As described, the vehicles may be converted or retrofitted withequipment to be compatible with the fuel storage modules. Alternatively,the vehicles may be based on a clean sheet design inherently compatiblewith the fuel storage modules. In some cases, the fuel storage modulesmay have different sizes, shapes, or configurations compatible withdifferent types or classes of vehicles. The systems and methods of thepresent disclosure may be implemented using a plurality of fuel storagemodules. The plurality of fuel storage modules may have a similar size,shape, dimension, or configuration. Alternatively, the plurality of fuelstorage modules may have different sizes, shapes, dimensions, orconfigurations depending on a specific type of vehicle.

The fuel storage modules may be configured to hold hydrogen for apredetermined amount of time. The fuel storage modules or containers maybe lightweight to maximize a number of fuel storage modules that may betransported using a transport vehicle. The fuel storage modules orcontainers may be sized and/or shaped to permit efficient packing of thefuel storage modules for transport. The fuel storage modules may beresistant to abrasion or impact forces. The fuel storage modules may beresistant to changes in temperature.

The fuel storage modules of the present disclosure may be configured tohold hydrogen for a predetermined amount of time sufficient for thehydrogen to be transported from a hydrogen production facility to one ormore hydrogen fuel compatible vehicles. The predetermined amount of timemay be at least about 1 day, 2 days, 3 days, 4 days, 5 days, 6 days, 7days, 8 days, 9 days, 10 days, or more. In at least one embodiment inwhich the vehicle is a mid-range commuter aircraft with propeller-basedengines, the fuel storage modules 20 discussed in greater detail belowhave a construction configured to hold hydrogen virtually indefinitely(e.g., months or years) for gaseous hydrogen fuel or for approximately30-50 hrs. for liquid hydrogen fuel. The fuel storage modules 20disclosed herein may provide a variety of benefits, such as beinglightweight, strong, robust, impermeable, and insulated so as to resisttemperature changes to the hydrogen stored within the capsules 52 of thefuel storage modules 20. The fuel storage modules 20 may also be sized,shaped, and/or configured to be housed efficiently within aircraft.

The one or more fuel storage modules 20 may provide storage for apredetermined amount, or capacity, of fuel. For example, the amount offuel stored in the fuel tanks may be, for example, at least about 10gasoline gallon equivalent (GGE), 20 GGE, 30 GGE, 40 GGE, 50 GGE, 60GGE, 70 GGE, 80 GGE, 90 GGE, 100 GGE, 150 GGE, 200 GGE, 250 GGE, 300GGE, 350 GGE, 400 GGE, 450 GGE, 500 GGE, 600 GGE, 700 GGE, 800 GGE, 900GGE, 1000 GGE, or more. In the commuter aircraft embodiment identifiedabove, the fuel storage modules are shaped and sized to store up toapproximately 70-96 GGE.

The fuel storage module 20 may have any size, shape, and/or weight. Forexample, each capsule 52 of the fuel storage module 20 may be largerthan, smaller than, or about the same size as a 5 gallon tank, 10 gallontank, 15 gallon tank, 20 gallon tank, 25 gallon tank, 30 gallon tank, 35gallon tank, 40 gallon tank, 45 gallon tank, 50 gallon tank, 60 gallontank, 70 gallon tank, 80 gallon tank, 90 gallon tank, 100 gallon tank,200 gallon tank, 300 gallon tank, 400 gallon tank, 500 gallon tank, 600gallon tank, 700 gallon tank, 800 gallon tank, 900 gallon tank, 1000gallon tank, or any tank larger than a 1000 gallon tank. The fuel tankmay weigh at least about 0.01 tons, 0.03 tons, 0.05 tons, 0.07 tons, 0.1tons, 0.2 tons, 0.3 tons, 0.5 tons, 0.7 tons, 1.0 tons, or more. In thecommuter aircraft embodiment identified above, each fuel storage module20 is shaped and sized to correspond to approximately a 380-410-gallontank and have a weight of approximately 0.3-0.4 tons.

In some cases, the fuel storage module may comprise a cross-sectionalshape. The cross-sectional shape may be a circle, an ellipse, or anypolygon comprising three or more sides. The polygon may comprise one ormore straight sides and/or one or more curved sides. In some cases, thefuel storage module may be of a cylindrical form. In some cases, thefuel storage module may comprise a toroidal shape or any shape withmulti-part cross-sections. The fuel storage module may comprise athree-dimensional enclosed volume with any suitable size, shape, orcross-section for storage and transportation of hydrogen. In someembodiments, the fuel storage module 20 has a cross-sectional shape thatdiffers from the cross-sectional shape of the capsules. For example, thecapsules 52 can be generally cylindrical tanks with a circularcross-section, but the truss 50 forming the exterior shape of the fuelstorage module can have a generally rectangular shape, which allows thefuel storage modules 20 to easily and securely stack on each other. Thetruss 50 can also be configured to securely and releasably stack orotherwise interconnect with trusses 50 of other fuel storage modules 20.

The fuel storage module 20 may be capable of containing a fuel (e.g.,hydrogen) at a predetermined pressure. In some embodiments, each capsule52 of the fuel storage module 20 may be capable of containing a fuelhaving a pressure of less than or equal to about 15000 psig, 13000 psig,12000 psig, 11000 psig, 10000 psig, 8000 psig, 7000 psig, 6500 psig,6000 psig, 5500 psig, 5000 psig, 4750 psig, 4500 psig, 4250 psig, 4000psig, 3750 psig, 3500 psig, 3250 psig, 3000 psig, 2750 psig, 2500 psig,2000 psig, 1500 psig, 1000 psig, 500 psig, 300 psig, 100 psig, or less.In the commuter aircraft embodiment identified above, the capsules 52 ofthe fuel storage modules 20 are shaped and sized to store hydrogen fuelhaving a pressure in the range of up to approximately 70 psig-14500psig. In the illustrated embodiment, each capsule 52 is configured tostore gaseous hydrogen fuel at up to approximately 12314 psig (˜850Bar).

In some embodiments, the fuel storage modules 20 may comprise a fuelstorage material for storing a fuel (e.g., hydrogen). The fuel storagematerial may be capable of absorbing and releasing the fuel and maypossess favorable hydrogen storage attributes. For instance, the fuelmay be stored in the bulk of the fuel storage material via absorption,and/or stored on a surface of the fuel storage material via adsorption.In some other embodiments, the fuel may be stored in the fuel storagematerial by chemically reacting the fuel with the fuel storage material.In some alternative embodiments, the fuel storage material may comprisea complex hydride, such as a sodium alanate. In some cases, the fuelstorage material may comprise one or more liquid carriers of hydrogen.

The fuel storage modules 20 may be configured to prevent or reduceleakage of hydrogen, even when the hydrogen is stored at high pressureswithin the storage modules. For instance, the capsules 52 of the fuelstorage modules 20 of the illustrated embodiment are provided with aninner tank layer that is substantially hydrogen-impervious. Accordingly,the capsules 52 are configured so that less than 15%, 10%, 7%, 5%, 3%,or 1% of the hydrogen may leak from the fuel storage module 20 over aperiod of time. The period of time may be at least about a 1 minute, 5minute, 10 minute, 15 minute, 20 minute, 30 minute, 45 minute, 60minute, or 120 minute period of time. The period of time may be at leastabout 1 day, 2 days, 3 days, 4 days, 5 days, 6 days, 7 days, 8 days, 9days, 10 days, or more. This may be the case, even when the hydrogen isstored at a pressure exceeding 10 psi, 11 psi, 12 psi, 13 psi, 14 psi,15 psi, 16 psi, 17 psi, 18 psi, 20 psi, 25 psi, 30 psi, 35 psi, 40 psi,45 psi, 50 psi, 60 psi, 70 psi, 80 psi, 90 psi, 100 psi, or more.

The fuel storage module 20 may have a volume that may permit sufficientstorage of hydrogen without impeding movement or flight of the vehicleand without substantially changing a mass, center of mass, center ofgravity, or a volume of the vehicle. For example, in one embodimentwherein the vehicle is a passenger aircraft, a fuel storage moduleoccupies the volume of approximately one seat row pitch (i.e.,corresponding to about four passengers) and a mass of approximately300-400 kg. The mass of four passengers is roughly about 350 kg, so thenet mass difference is negligible. The fuel storage module may also havea volume and form factor allowing for appropriate weight and balance,and safe and comfortable usage of and/or access to different regions ofthe aircraft (e.g., the aircraft fuselage), while complying withrequirements such as, for example, egress requirements.

The fuel storage module may have a volume and form factor allowing fornormal aircraft usage in various facilities (e.g., airport terminals,maintenance/storage hangars, etc.). In some instances, the ratio of avolume of an individual fuel storage module to a volume within a housingof the vehicle may be less than or equal to about 1:20, 1:15, 1:10, 1:8,1:7, 1:6, 1:5, 1:4, 1:3, or 1:2. In some cases, the ratio of the volumemay be greater than any of the values described herein. In someinstances, the ratio of the volume of the sum of all of the fuel storagemodules to a volume within a housing of the vehicle may be less than orequal to about 1:15, 1:10, 1:8, 1:7, 1:6, 1:5, 1:4, 1:3, or 1:2. In thecommuter aircraft embodiment identified above, the ratio provided by thefuel storage module 20 is approximately 1:20. In some cases, the ratioof the volume may be greater than of the values described herein.

In some embodiments, the fuel storage modules 20 may generate a liftforce when the fuel is stored in the fuel storage module. As mentioned,the fuel may be hydrogen, or another fuel that may be lighter than air.In those embodiments, the density of the fuel in the fuel storage modulemay be substantially lower than a density of air outside the fuelstorage module. The lift force can provide lift (e.g., aerostatic lift)to the vehicle. The additional lift force may reduce power consumptionand may increase a flight time of the vehicle. The pressure of the fuelin the fuel storage module may be provided below a neutral buoyancypressure such that the fuel storage module may attain a lighter-than-airstate to generate the lift force. In some cases, the fuel storagemodules may be stored in pods that contribute to the aerodynamics of anaircraft and generate lift. For example, the pods may be wing pods thatgenerate lift and/or enhance the aerodynamics of the aircraft.

The pressure of the fuel may be monitored using one or more gas pressuresensors located in the fuel storage module 20. Alternatively, thepressure of the fuel may be monitored using one or more strain gaugesconfigured to compute pressure by measuring how much deformation a wallof the fuel storage module undergoes. The fuel storage module may beconfigured to store the hydrogen fuel and may permit minimal fuelleakage over time. In some cases, the other sensors may be used fordetecting and monitoring the module's health and potential maintenanceneeds.

Materials

The fuel storage modules 20 may be formed using materials having one ormore material properties suitable for storing and/or transportinghydrogen. The one or more material properties may deliver the necessarymass, strength, toughness, permeability, and flammabilitycharacteristics to aid in storage and/or transport of the hydrogenstored within the fuel storage modules. In some cases, the one or morematerials may comprise a metallic material. For example, the truss 50 ofthe fuel storage module 52 (FIG. 3A) can be made of a metallic material.The metallic material may comprise, for example, aluminum, platinum,magnesium, titanium, iron, cobalt, nickel, copper, zinc, silver, and/orgold. In some cases, the one or more materials may comprise a compositematerial. For example, the truss 50 can be made of a fiber-reinforcedmaterial, such as a carbon-fiber composite. As discussed in greaterdetail below, the capsules 52 can include metallic components and/orfiber-reinforced components. The composite material may comprise, forexample, fiberglass, carbon fibers, carbon nanofibers, aramid,fiber-reinforced polymers, carbon-fiber-reinforced polymers, and/orglass-reinforced plastics.

In some embodiments, the fuel storage module 20 and/or the capsules 52may be formed from a rigid material. For instance, the fuel storagemodule may comprise a structurally rigid capsule 52 having a chamber forstoring the fuel. In some alternative embodiments, the fuel storagecontainer, such as the capsules 52 of the fuel storage module 20, maycomprise a non-rigid material. In some cases, the fuel storage containermay comprise a fuel bag for storing the hydrogen fuel. The fuel bag maycomprise an inner volume or chamber for storing the fuel. The fuel bagmay be formed from a flexible material such as a fabric, bladder,elastomeric material, or any other material. One or more portions of thefuel bag may freely bend or fold. The fuel bag may or may not be formedfrom an expandable or stretchable material. The fuel bag may comprise alight-weight impermeable membrane. The fuel bag may be formed from alight-weight polymer. The light-weight polymer may include, for example,polyester, polyester fiber, mylar, or reinforced nylon. The fuel bag maybe formed from one or more organic materials. In some instances, theentirety of the fuel bag may be formed from an organic material. Whenthe fuel bag is not filled with the fuel, the fuel bag may have adeflated configuration. The deflated configuration may be folded,rolled, or bunched in on itself. When the fuel bag is filled with thefuel, the fuel bag may be fully inflated and stretched under tension.The fuel bag may take any shape. In some instances, the fuel bag may besubstantially spherical, ellipsoidal, cylindrical, prismatic,torus-shaped, tear-drop shaped, bowl-shaped, or may be a flattenedsphere, an ellipse, a solid geometric shape, or any other shape wheninflated.

In some embodiments, the fuel storage module 20 may comprise both rigidand non-rigid materials. For example, the fuel storage module maycomprise a first material that is rigid and a second material that isnon-rigid. The first material and the second material may be provided asdifferent layers of the fuel storage module. In some cases, the firstmaterial and the second material may be integrated into a single layerof the fuel storage module.

In some embodiments, the fuel storage module 20 and/or its components,such as the capsules 52 of the illustrated embodiment, may be made of acomposite material having a tenacity of about 160 gram-force/Denier(g/D). The tenacity may correspond to a special parameter forcharacterizing the breakdown strength of fiber in the compositematerial. In some embodiments, the tenacity of the fuel storage modulematerial may be less than 160 g/D. For example, the tenacity may be lessthan or equal to about: 160 g/D, 150 g/D, 140 g/D, 130 g/D, 120 g/D, 110g/D, 100 g/D, 90 g/D, 80 g/D, 70 g/D, 60 g/D, 50 g/D, 40 g/D, 30 g/D, 20g/D, or 10 g/D. In some other embodiments, the tenacity of the fuelstorage module material may be greater than 160 g/D. For example, thetenacity may be greater than or equal to about: 160 g/D, 170 g/D, 180g/D, 190 g/D, 200 g/D, 210 g/D, 220 g/D, 230 g/D, 240 g/D, 250 g/D, or260 g/D. In some embodiments, the fuel storage module may have a tensilestrength ranging from about 10 megapascals (MPa) to about 4,000 MPa.

The material of the fuel storage module 20, such as the material(s) ofthe capsules 52 of the illustrated embodiment, may be configured towithstand a stress and/or a strain within the operational parameters ofthe capsules 52. In some embodiments, the strain (i.e., the change inthe length of the material in the direction of an applied force dividedby the initial undeformed length of the material) may be at least about1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, 5%, 6%, 7%, 8%, 9%, 10%, or more. In some embodiments,the strain may be at most about 10%, 9%, 8%, 7%, 6%, 5%, 4%, 3%, 2%, 1%,or less. In the commuter aircraft embodiment identified above, thecapsules 52 of the fuel storage modules 20 are constructed withcomposite materials to withstand stresses up to approximately 1150-1350.

The fuel storage module 20, and particularly the capsules 52 of theillustrated embodiment, may be flame-resistant since the fuel (e.g.,hydrogen) may be highly combustible. In some embodiments, the fuelstorage module and/or its components may be formed of multiple layers.For example, each capsule 52 may be formed from one or more, two ormore, three or more, four or more, five or more, or six or more layers.The multiple layers may comprise an inner layer and a shell layer. Theinner layer of the capsule may be configured to hold and/or contain thefuel, and the shell layer may be disposed around and/or placed over theinner layer. The inner layer may be formed of a high-molecular-weightpolymer and may serve as a barrier to prevent the fuel from permeatingout of the fuel storage module. The shell layer may serve as a pressureload-bearing component of the fuel storage module and may providelight-weight structural reinforcement. In some embodiments, the shelllayer may be made of an elastic carbon fiber-epoxy resin composite. Athickness of the shell layer may be equal to or greater than apredetermined thickness to prevent the shell layer from rupturing underhigh pressures. The thickness of the shell layer may be designed suchthat the fuel storage module remains elastic and conformable under highpressures.

Layers of Fuel Storage Module

In some cases, the fuel storage modules 20 and its components maycomprise a plurality of layers and/or materials. The plurality of layersand/or materials may each be configured or optimized to perform a singlefunction (e.g., insulation, structural integrity, impact protection,impact resistance, or carrying pressure loads). In some cases, theplurality of layers and/or materials may be configured or optimized toperform multiple functions (e.g., insulation, structural integrity,impact protection, impact resistance, and carrying pressure loads). Insome cases, the fuel storage module 20 may include one or more capsulesthat are standard, commercially available consumer off the shelf storagetanks. In such cases, the fuel storage module may comprise a singlelayer or material configured to perform multiple functions.

In some cases, such as the capsules 52 of the fuel storage modules 20 ofthe illustrated embodiment shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, may comprise aplurality of layers and/or materials configured to perform differentfunctions. For example, the capsule 52 may comprise a first material tocontain the hydrogen and reduce permeability. The first material may bea membrane made of a high-molecular-weight polymer. The capsules 52 mayfurther comprise a second material to carry the stresses from thecarried pressure load. The second material may comprise a carbon fiberweave. The second material may be a lightweight material that minimizesa weight of the fuel storage modules. The capsules 52 may furthercomprise a third material. The third material may comprise insulation.The insulation may comprise a cork or foam material. The insulation maybe configured for temperature shielding to minimize changes in thetemperature of the contents within the fuel storage modules.

While the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3B includes the insulationlayer, other embodiments do not include an intermediate layer ofinsulative material. In yet other embodiments, the insulation layer maybe in a different position, such as between the inner layer and thecarbon fiber weave, or multiple insulation layers may be used. Thecapsules 52 may further comprise a fourth material. The fourth materialmay be configured to provide abrasion resistance and impact resistancefor the fuel storage modules or containers. The fourth material maycomprise a synthetic fiber material, for example, an aramid material.

In some cases, a layer of the capsules 52 and/or other components of thefuel storage module 20 may be a composite of two or more materials andmay be capable of providing one or more functional benefits (e.g.,selective permeability or impermeability, thermal insulation, loaddistribution, etc.). The layers may be arranged in any suitable order.In some cases, one or more intermediate layers may be disposed betweentwo or more adjacent layers of the capsule. In some cases, one or morelayers providing a first functional benefit may be omitted or replacedwith another layer providing a second functional benefit. In some cases,a layer of the capsule may provide multiple functional benefits. In somecases, multiple functional benefits may be associated with a layer ofthe capsule. This may reduce manufacturing costs, enhancemanufacturability of the capsule, and/or enhance a performance of thecapsule.

In some cases, the fuel storage modules may comprise a truss structure.The truss structure may be configured to carry and/or distribute one ormore internal loads exerted on a structural component or a portion ofthe fuel storage modules by the pressurized hydrogen contained withinthe fuel storage modules.

FIG. 3B is a schematic illustration of key components and layers of anexemplary capsule 52 of the fuel storage module 20. FIG. 3C is apartially cut-away isometric view of a capsule 52 on an embodiment ofthe present technology. The key components and layers of the capsule 52may be selected based on a functional decomposition analysis such thateach element or layer of the structure of the capsule 52 of the fuelstorage module 20 is optimized for a specific function. In some cases, acontainer for protecting the fuel storage module 20 and its componentsmay be provided separately or integrated as part of the fuel storagemodule.

As illustrated in FIGS. 3B and 3C, each capsule 52 of the fuel storagemodule 20 may comprise an inner-most first layer 60 comprising aselectively permeable or impermeable membrane to contain or retain thehydrogen fuel 54. In at least one embodiment, the first layer 60 isflexible, such as a polyethylene (PE), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) orethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), or other high-molecular-weight polymermaterial that is substantially impervious to hydrogen, includinghydrogen gas contained at high pressures (e.g., ˜850 Bar). In otherembodiments, the first layer 60 can be a laminated structure formed by aPE or other hydrogen-impervious membrane material adhered to one or bothsides of a carbon-fiber weave layer or other fiber-supported layer.Other embodiments can use other materials. The capsule 52 has a secondlayer 62 immediately adjacent to the first layer 60 to carry thestresses from the pressurized hydrogen load contained by the firstlayer. In some cases, the second layer 62 may comprise a carbon fiberweave, such as triaxial carbon braid or other seamless, substantiallycylindrical carbon fiber weave. The second layer 62 may or may notcomprise epoxy. In the illustrated embodiment, the second layer 62 is acarbon fiber weave without an epoxy or other binder or matrix, whichprovides a very strong, yet lightweight, stress-carrying layersurrounding the hydrogen-impervious inner-most layer.

The capsule 52 of the illustrated embodiment further comprises a thirdlayer 64 that provides insulation from external thermal loads. In theembodiment illustrated schematically in FIG. 3B, the third layer 64 isoutward of and radially adjacent to the second layer 62, so the secondlayer 62 is captured between the first and third layers 60 and 64. Theinsulative third layer 64 can be made of aerogel or other selectedlightweight, high insulating value material that controls thermaltransfer to or from the first and second layers 60 and 62. In somecases, the capsule 52 comprises a fourth layer 66 outward of the thirdlayer 64, so the third layer 64 is between the second and fourth layers62 and 66. It is noted that in some embodiments, such as the embodimentillustrated in FIG. 3C, the capsule 52 does not include the third layerof insulative material, such that the capsule has the first, second, andfourth layers 60, 62, and 66, and the second layer 62 is capturedbetween the first and fourth layers 60 and 66.

In the illustrated embodiments, the fourth layer 66 is configured toprovide abrasion resistance and impact resistance for the capsule 52fuel storage module 20. The fourth layer 66 may be made of, for example,an aramid material (e.g., Kevlar®) or other highly durable, strong,lightweight abrasion-resistant material that forms a protective shellaround the inner layers of the capsules. In some embodiments, the fuelstorage modules 52 can include an additional outer layer over the fourthlayer 66, for example to provide a selected textured, colored,protective, or aesthetic exterior surface.

The layers 60, 62, 64, and 66 can be stacked adjacent to each other butnot fixedly adhered to each other except at their end portions.Accordingly, as conditions change within the interior of the capsule 52during use, including filling, being transported, loaded, activated todispense hydrogen fuel, unloaded, stored, etc., an individual layer maybe able to move relative to the other layers. This provides resilient,durable, and accommodatable containers 52. In other embodiments, some orall of the layers 60, 62, 64, and 66 can be affixed or bonded to eachother, so as to prevent any relevant movement between the affixedlayers.

In some cases, the fuel storage module 20 comprises the truss 50 (FIG.3A) structure for additional structural support to the one or morecapsules 52 carried by the truss. The truss 50 structure of theillustrated embodiment provides a durable, protective frame, such as anopen frame with a shape and form compatible with a shape or a structureof an internal volume or region of an aircraft 10 (e). In someembodiments, the truss 50 can be configured to stack vertically and/orhorizontally with trusses of other fuel storage modules, so as to stackand releasably lock adjacent fuel storage modules together. The truss 50is also configured to be moved within the fuel storage area of theaircraft 10 to fully installed positions in mating engagement with theaircraft's fuel system and locked in place to securely maintainalignment of the fuel storage modules 20 and associated capsules 50 andvalving hardware within the aircraft 10 during all phases of operation.The truss 50 is also configured for installation and engagement withother vehicles, such as the transport vehicles used to transport thefuel storage modules to and from the hydrogen production facility or thestorage facility. Accordingly, the form, shape, and function of the fuelstorage modules 20 may be optimized for use in an aircraft or anyvehicle described herein. The form and shape of the fuel storage modules20 may permit a higher mass fraction (i.e., approximately 15%-20% ormore for gaseous hydrogen fuel and approximately 25%-30% for liquidhydrogen fuel) of hydrogen to be transported or stored for fuelconsumption, and may maximize an amount or a volume of hydrogen that canbe transported or stored per unit mass of the fuel storage module, whilemeeting shape and volume constraints of an aircraft.

The construction and configuration of the fuel storage modules 20provide a secure, safe, durable, and modular hydrogen fueling system.After the storage modules 20 are filled with hydrogen fuel at a hydrogenproduction facility 110 (FIG. 2A) via the single transfer process asdiscussed above, extraction of the hydrogen fuel may not be permitteduntil the fuel storage modules 20 are loaded into and operativelyinterconnected to the fuel system of the hydrogen-powered aircraft 10 orother hydrogen fuel compatible vehicle for consumption via the vehicle'shydrogen-fueled power plant. The fuel storage modules 20 in theillustrated embodiment are lightweight with a high mass fraction thatfacilitates use with the aircraft or other vehicle. The fuel storagemodules 20 also minimize, mitigate, and/or reduce leaking or emission ofhydrogen fuel during storage and/or transport. The fuel storage modulesmay be configured for low diffusion of hydrogen fuel when the hydrogenfuel is not being used or consumed by a hydrogen fuel compatiblevehicle.

Transport

FIG. 4A illustrates fuel storage modules 20 loading into a transportcontainer 68 of a fuel module storage system 69 in accordance with someembodiments. FIG. 4B illustrates a transport vehicle 70 in accordancewith some embodiments for transporting the transport containers 68and/or the fuel storage modules 20 to and from locations within theend-to-end framework 40 (FIGS. 2A, 2B). The transport container 68 canbe a shipping container or other transport structure that can securelyreceive and contain a plurality of fuel storage modules 20 for transportin bulk. In the illustrated embodiment, the transport container 68 isloaded onto or otherwise coupled to the transport vehicle 70 fortransportation and distribution to one or more fueling sites. Thetransport vehicle 70 may comprise any type of vehicle described herein.In other embodiments, a shipping container 68 is not used, and the fuelstorage modules 20 can be secured onto the transport vehicle 70, such ason a transport bed, cargo bay, cargo car, etc.

The transport vehicle 70 may be configured to transport a plurality offuel storage modules 20 to or from a plurality of aircraft or otherhydrogen fuel compatible vehicles. In some cases, the transport vehicle70 may comprise a terrestrial vehicle and the hydrogen fuel compatiblevehicle may comprise an aerial vehicle. The transport vehicle 70 maytransport the fuel storage modules 20 to one or more vehicle fuelingsites configured for loading and unloading the fuel storage modules 20onto or off of the aircraft 10 (FIG. 1) or other hydrogen fuelcompatible vehicle. The transport vehicle 70 can also be a hydrogen fuelcompatible vehicle that is powered by hydrogen fuel from a fuel storagemodule operatively installed and connected to the transport vehicle'sfuel system to power its hydrogen-based power plant. The plurality ofhydrogen fuel compatible vehicles may be located at or near the one ormore vehicle fueling sites.

In some cases, the fuel storage modules 20 may be loaded into aplurality of transport vehicles 70 at different points along a transportroute for delivery to one or more aircraft 10 (FIG. 1) or other hydrogenfuel compatible vehicles. The plurality of transport vehicles 70 maycomprise at least the first vehicle. The plurality of transport vehicles70 for transporting the fuel storage modules 20 may be different. Insome cases, a first transport vehicle 70 may be configured to transportthe fuel storage modules 20 a first distance along the transport route,a second transport vehicle may be configured to transport the fuelstorage modules 20 a second distance along the transport route, and soon until the fuel storage modules 20 are delivered to selected aircraftor other hydrogen fuel compatible vehicles in or near one or morevehicle fueling sites. The fuel storage modules 20 may be sized and/orshaped to be compatible with each transport vehicle 70 configured totravel along the transport route for delivery of the fuel storagemodules to the one or more vehicle fueling sites.

As described above, in some cases the first transport vehicle 70 maycomprise a terrestrial vehicle. The terrestrial vehicle may comprise anyland-based vehicle designed or used to transport passengers or cargos.Examples of a terrestrial vehicle may include cars, trucks, buses,and/or trains. A truck may include a light duty truck (e.g., class 1,class 2, or class 3), medium duty truck (e.g., class 4, class 5, orclass 6), or heavy-duty truck (e.g., class 7 or class 8). In thealternative, the first vehicle may comprise a ship, boat, aircraft, orany other type of vehicle described herein.

The first transport vehicle 70 may be configured to carry a plurality offuel storage modules 20 depending at least in part on a demand forhydrogen fuel at the one or more vehicle fueling sites. The plurality offuel storage modules may comprise at least 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9,10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 200, 300, 400,500, 600, 700, 800, 900, 1000, or more fuel storage modules. In thecommuter aircraft embodiment identified above, a transport vehicle 70will typically carry up to approximately 14-27 fuel storage modules 20to service up to approximately 4-9 aircraft.

In some cases, the fuel storage modules 20 may be arranged on or next toeach other in a horizontal or vertical configuration. In some cases, thefuel storage modules 20 may comprise one or more flat surfaces (e.g.,provided by the truss 50 of the fuel storage module 20 or other externalstructure) forming an exterior portion of the fuel storage modules 20.In such cases, the fuel storage modules 20 may be stacked on top of eachother and/or arranged in a square packing configuration. In some cases,the fuel storage modules 20 may have a cylindrical shape. In such cases,the fuel storage modules 20 may be stacked on top of each other and/orarranged in a hexagonal packing configuration. In some cases, the fuelstorage modules 20 may be placed or stacked in a honeycombconfiguration. In some cases, the fuel storage modules 20 may be ofdifferent sizes and/or shapes.

Different sets of fuel storage modules 20 can be positioned or providedon different reference planes in three-dimensional space. The referenceplanes can be oriented in various configurations (e.g. parallel,oblique, inclined, orthogonal, intersecting, non-intersecting, etc.). Insome embodiments, different sets of fuel containers may be located ondifferent inclined reference planes that intersect with one another.

In some cases, one or more fuel storage modules 20 may be rigidly heldin place on one or more transport vehicles 70 (FIG. 4B) using atransport frame structure or other support assembly and/or engagementassemblies, such as clamps, hooks, straps, tie-downs, etc. In someembodiments, the one or more sides of the fuel storage modules 20 may beaffixed in the shipping container 68 and/or in contact with the supportassembly, so as to increase support and minimize movement of the fuelstorage modules 20 during transportation.

The fuel storage modules 20 may be loaded into a fuel module storagesystem 69, such as the shipping container 68 or other transportcontainer, that may be mounted to a transport vehicle for transportationand distribution. The fuel module storage system 69 may comprise one ormore support structures configured to support the end and/or sideportions of the fuel storage modules. Some of the support structures mayinclude neck grooves that form an enclosure around a neck portion of thefuel storage modules.

In some embodiments, the fuel module storage system 69 may be configuredto support one or more fuel storage modules 20 with the same ordifferent characteristics. The fuel storage modules 20 may be of anysize, capacity, shape, and/or weight and may be made of any suitablematerial. For example, the fuel storage modules 20 may have a shapesubstantially cylindrical, rectangular, spherical, or the like.

The fuel module storage system 69 may be mounted or attached to anysuitable portion(s) of a transport vehicle 70 for transportation. In anembodiment, the fuel module storage system may be mounted behind a cabof the transport vehicle. In another embodiment, the fuel module storagesystem may be mounted on one or more sides of the transport vehicle. Inanother embodiment, the fuel module storage system may be mounted on thetop of the transport vehicle, for example, on or in the roof of thevehicle. In yet another embodiment, the fuel module storage system maybe mounted on a trailer or a detachable portion of the transportvehicle. In other embodiments, a fuel storage system may be mounted to atransport vehicle using any combination of configurations. For example,the fuel module storage system may be installed in the front or back ofthe body of a transport vehicle. In various embodiments, the locationand/or manner of attachment of the fuel module storage system to thetransport vehicle may be based on a variety of factors including thecapacity and type of the fuel containers, type of the vehicle, andbusiness requirements.

In some cases, the fuel module storage system 69 may include one or moremodular fuel container support assemblies (hereinafter support modulesor support assemblies) used to support and/or secure one or more fuelstorage modules described elsewhere herein. Such support assemblies maybe used to stabilize, support or otherwise protect the fuel storagemodules from damage caused by movement (such as during transit),external impact, natural elements, erosion, and the like. In some cases,the support assemblies may be configured to form a frame that supportsone or more fuel storage modules 20 and minimizes movement of the fuelstorage modules 20 during transportation. In some cases, the fuel modulestorage system 69 may comprise a plurality of sensors for modulemonitoring and leak detection. In some cases, the fuel module storagesystem 69 may comprise a fire suppression system.

The fuel storage modules 20 may be mechanically coupled to the transportvehicle 70, the fuel module storage system 69, and/or one or moresupport assemblies using one or more fasteners. The fasteners may be aninherent part of the support assemblies (e.g., tongue and groove, wedgeand slide, joints, and the like) or external to the support members(e.g., wires, locks, adhesive, welding, and the like). Exemplary typesof fasteners may include nuts and bolts, nails, locks, latches, wires,joints, soldering, welding, adhering, and the like. In otherembodiments, the fuel storage modules 20 may simply be placed or stackedadjacent to one another within the transport vehicle 70 or within thefuel module storage system without any fastening mechanism.

In various embodiments, components or portions of a support assemblydescribed herein (e.g., end support members, side frames, truss members,side support members) may be constructed using any suitable material orcombination of materials. For example, the materials used may includemetal such as steel, iron, aluminum, titanium, copper, brass, nickel,silver and the like, or any alloys or combinations thereof. Thematerials may also include a polymer or a composite material, such ascarbon fiber, or fiberglass. The choice and amount of materials used maybe based on various factors including cost, strength-to-weight ratios,location or position of the support assemblies in a desiredconfiguration, aesthetic reasons and the like. In various embodiments,the dimensions of one or more components or portions of a supportassembly (e.g., end support members, side frames) may be based at leastin part on the characteristics of fuel containers (e.g., dimensions,capacities, type of fuel) supported therein, space considerations forthe support assemblies, and the like.

Storage Units/Intermodal Freight Containers

In some embodiments, the fuel storage modules 20 may be placed withinone or more storage units or containers for transport, such as theshipping container 68 (FIG. 4A). The one or more storage units may beprovided on or attached to a portion of a transport vehicle 70 (FIG.4B). In some cases, the one or more storage units may be integrated withand/or integrally connected to a housing or a body of the transportvehicle. The storage units may be configured as intermodal freightcontainers. In some cases, the storage unit may be an ISO 668 container.

The one or more storage units may be configured to shield or protect thefuel storage modules from vibrations, impacts, abrasions, and/orphysical damage during transport to the one or more fueling sites. Theone or more storage units may be configured to provide additionalinsulation for the hydrogen stored within the fuel storage modules. Insome instances, the one or more storage units may be configured tominimize changes in the temperature of the hydrogen stored within thefuel storage modules during transport to the one or more vehicle fuelingsites.

The one or more storage units may be made of a light-weight material.The one or more storage units may be formed from a rigid material. Thefuel storage modules may conform to a size and/or a shape of an interiorspace or volume of the storage unit. In some cases, the fuel storagemodules may be inserted into the storage units for transport. In somecases, the fuel storage modules may be configured to slide into thestorage units. The fuel storage modules may be secured to a portion ofthe storage units or the transport vehicle to minimize movement duringtransportation. The fuel storage modules may be secured using amechanical coupling or an adjustable strap.

In some cases, the storage unit may form an enclosed volume. Theinterior space of the storage unit may have a symmetric shape. In somealternative embodiments, the interior space of the storage unit may havean irregular shape. A maximum volume of the fuel storage module may bedetermined based on a maximum volume of the interior space of thestorage unit. In some embodiments, the storage unit may be partiallyfilled with an inert gas (e.g., helium) to reduce a risk of explosion ofthe fuel storage modules if the fuel is highly flammable (e.g.,hydrogen).

In some cases, the fuel storage modules may be loaded into an intermodalfreight container for transport. The intermodal freight container may beconfigured to isolate the fuel storage modules from vibrations,abrasions, or external thermal loads. In some cases, the intermodalfreight container may be configured for fire suppression. In some cases,the intermodal freight container may comprise a shell configured toabsorb or internalize an impact if there is an explosion of the fuelstorage modules placed within the intermodal freight container. In somecases, the plurality of fuel modules may be loaded into the intermodalfreight containers and secured using a plurality of wedges to providesupport during transport and to minimize movement of the fuel modules.In some cases, the plurality of wedges may comprise four or more wedgesinsertable between gaps or spaces between the plurality of fuel modulesand one or more inner walls of the intermodal freight containers.

In some cases, the fuel storage modules and/or the intermodal freightcontainers may be configured for inter-modal transit/freight, whereby aplurality of transport vehicles are used to transport the fuel storagemodules and/or the intermodal freight containers from the hydrogenproduction facility to the one or more vehicle fueling sites. In somecases, the plurality of transport vehicles may comprise a first set ofvehicles configured to transport the fuel storage modules to a secondset of hydrogen fuel compatible vehicles located at or near the one ormore fueling sites.

In some cases, the fuel storage modules or containers and/or theintermodal freight containers, such as the shipping container 68 (FIG.4A), may comprise one or more sensors 72. The one or more sensors 72 maybe configured to monitor a location of the fuel storage modules 20 or tomonitor an internal temperature and/or internal pressure of the hydrogenstored within the fuel storage modules. In some cases, the fuel storagemodules or containers and/or the intermodal freight containers maycomprise one or more sensors selected from the group consisting ofpressure gauges, strain gauges, thermocouples, and/or thermistors. Insome cases, one or more measurements obtained using the one or moresensors may be used to generate a time trace history for the location ofthe fuel storage modules or for the internal temperatures and/orinternal pressures of the fuel storage modules and/or the intermodalfreight containers.

In some cases, the fuel storage modules 20 and/or the intermodal freightcontainers 68 may comprise an active monitoring system 74 that monitorsthe location of the fuel storage modules or the internal temperaturesand/or internal pressures of the fuel storage modules and/or theintermodal freight containers during transport. The active monitoringsystem 74 may be configured to facilitate remote monitoring of thelocation of the fuel storage modules 20 or the internal temperaturesand/or internal pressures of the fuel storage modules and/or theintermodal freight containers during transport. In some cases, theactive monitoring system 74 may comprise one or more accelerometers tomonitor for any vibrations, impacts, shocks, or crash events. The remotemonitoring may be performed in real time and/or periodically. In somecases, an algorithm may be implemented to predict structural failures,overpressure conditions, or potential burst scenarios for the fuelstorage modules and/or the intermodal freight containers, based at leastin part on one or more measurements obtained using one or more sensorsof the active monitoring system.

In some cases, the fuel storage modules 20 or containers and/or theintermodal freight containers 68 may comprise a venting system 69 (FIG.4A). The venting system 76 may be configured to dissipate hydrogen in acase where hydrogen leaks from the fuel storage modules or theintermodal freight containers. Alternatively, the venting system may beconfigured to dissipate hydrogen in a case where hydrogen iscontrollably released from the fuel storage modules. The fuel storagemodules or containers and/or the intermodal freight containers may beconfigured to vent at least a portion of the hydrogen stored in the fuelstorage module or container during transport. The venting system may beconfigured to release hydrogen in a controlled manner. In some cases,the venting system may be configured to release and react the hydrogenwith another gas contained in the intermodal freight containers to makethe hydrogen inert.

Loading Fuel Storage Modules into Hydrogen Fuel Compatible Vehicles

As described elsewhere herein, the fuel storage modules 20 may betransported from the hydrogen production facility 42 (FIGS. 2A, 2B) tothe one or more vehicle fueling sites 46. The fuel storage modules 20may be transported to a first region in or near the one or more vehiclefueling sites 46. A plurality of vehicles compatible with the hydrogenstorage modules may be located at a second region in or near the one ormore fueling sites. The hydrogen storage modules may require additionaltransport from the first region to the second region. In some cases, oneor more terrestrial transport vehicles may be used to transport thehydrogen storage modules 20 from the first region to the second region.

In some cases, the fuel storage modules 20 may be loaded into or ontoone or more consolidation structures, such as loading frames 75. As seenin FIGS. 4C and 4D, the loading frames 75 may be configured to receive aplurality of the fuel storage modules 20 and may be configured toarrange the plurality of modules 20 in a fixed configuration forinsertion into a hydrogen fuel compatible vehicle (e.g., the aircraft 10(FIG. 1)). The loading frames 75 may be configured to be moved from thefirst region to one or more hydrogen fuel compatible vehicles in thesecond region via ground control equipment 72 (FIG. 1), which cantransport the loading frames 75 to and into the aircraft 10 or othervehicle. In some cases, the loading frames 75 may be transported fromthe first region to the one or more hydrogen fuel compatible vehicles inthe second region using one or more other terrestrial vehicles. In somecases, a plurality of fuel storage modules 20 may be releasably coupledto the loading frame 75. In such cases, the loading frames 75 can beconfigured to align the fuel storage modules 20 for installation intothe aircraft 10 or other hydrogen fuel compatible vehicle.

The fuel storage modules 20 may be loaded into or inserted into theloading frames. As described elsewhere herein, the loading frames 75 maybe configured as an adapter (e.g., a rack, frame, holder, mount, cradle,bracket, etc.) configured to receive and arrange one or more fuelstorage modules 20 in a predetermined configuration.

In some cases, the loading frame 75 may comprise a truss structure (FIG.4D). The truss structure may be a frame that arranges and secures thefuel storage modules 20 in a desired configuration, position, and/ororientation. The frame may be a lightweight frame that supports andencompasses containers, vessels, or fuel storage modules of varyingsizes. The truss structure may hold multiple fuel storage modulestogether in a predetermined configuration.

The loading frames 75 and/or the truss structure of the loading framesmay be configured to hold fuel storage modules 20, containers, capsules52, or other vessels of varying sizes. In some cases, the loading frameand/or the truss structure of the loading frame may be configured tohold a plurality of cylindrical fuel tanks of varying sizes. Thecylindrical fuel tanks, such as the capsules 52 (FIG. 3A) may be encasedby the truss structure, such as the truss 50 (FIG. 3A) that isconfigured as a lightweight frame. The truss structure may be configuredas a cage that locks the fuel storage modules into a desired positionand/or orientation while still permitting access to one or moreconnectors or ports of the fuel storage modules.

In some cases, the plurality of fuel storage modules 20 may be loadedinto a plurality of different loading frames 75. In some cases, one ormore loading frames may be configured to receive a plurality of fuelstorage modules having different sizes and/or shapes. The loading frames75 may comprise a rack configured to arrange the plurality of fuelstorage modules in a plurality of predetermined positions and/ororientations such that the loading frames and the fuel storage modules20 fit into an inner volume of the vehicle. The plurality ofpredetermined positions and/or orientations may be configured such thatthe fuel storage modules 20 may be easily connected to existing systemsor subsystems of the vehicle (e.g., a fuel cell system or a propulsionsystem of the vehicle). The loading frames 75 may be configured to fitinto various vehicles or various regions within the vehicles in aconformable way.

The loading frames 75 and the plurality of fuel storage modules 20therein may be configured to fit into various vehicles or variousstructural components of the vehicles in a conformable way depending ona desired purpose or a required function (e.g., for transportationand/or for loading into the vehicles for consumption). For example, FIG.4E shows a plurality of the loading frames 75 and associated fuelstorage modules 20 positioned in a shipping container 68. In otherembodiments, the fuel storage modules can be arranged in the shippingcontainer 68 without using the loading frames, as shown in FIG. 4F. Theloading frames 75 may be sized, shaped, and/or configured to permittransportation and loading of the plurality of fuel storage modules 20in a form factor consistent or compatible with the transportationvehicles or the hydrogen fuel compatible vehicles. The loading frames 75may be sized, shaped, and/or configured such that they are conformal todirect or position the fuel storage modules 20 for movements into orwithin the inner volume of a hydrogen fuel compatible vehicle 10 (FIG.1). The loading frames 75 and the plurality of fuel storage modules 20may be sized, shaped, and/or configured such that they are conformalwith a portion of a transportation vehicle used to store the loadingframes and/or the fuel storage modules for transport to one or morevehicle fuel sites.

The loading frames 75 may have a modular structure for flexibleinsertion, loading, and arrangement of multiple fuel storage modules 20.The loading frames 75 may be configurable and/or reconfigurable toaccept and handle different numbers or different types of fuel storagemodules 20. The loading frames 75 may be configured to receive theplurality of fuel storage modules 20 in a variety of differentpositions, orientations, and/or configurations.

In some cases, the loading frames 75 may comprise one or more wheels,rollers, and/or bearings for low friction movement. The loading framesand the one or more fuel storage modules may be configured as a singleintegrated unit when the one or more fuel storage modules are insertedor loaded into the loading module. The loading frames can be configuredto slide or otherwise position the fuel storage modules 20 into aportion of the vehicle (e.g., a fuselage region of the aircraft 10) tofacilitate coupling of the fuel storage modules 20 to (i) one or morequick release connectors or (ii) one or more systems or subsystems ofthe vehicle (e.g., fuel cell system, propulsion system, venting system,etc.).

In some cases, the loading frames 75 and the fuel storage modules 20 mayslide through a door of the vehicle and may be pushed in one or moredirections (e.g., up, down, left, right, forward, and/or backwards) tosecure the fuel storage modules 20 to one or more coupling mechanisms.

The one or more fuel storage modules 20 may be inserted or loaded into ahydrogen fuel compatible vehicle configured to use the hydrogen fuelstored within the fuel storage modules for propulsion or movement. Thefuel storage modules 20 may be placed into or on any portion of thevehicle (e.g., a top portion, a bottom portion, a front portion, a rearportion, a wing of the vehicle, or a nacelle of the vehicle). The fuelstorage modules 20 may be placed in or on any internal or externalportion of the vehicle such that the aerodynamics of the vehicle are notnegatively affected or substantially compromised.

The fuel storage modules may be installed or loaded into the vehiclewithout the use of any tools. Alternatively, the fuel storage modulesmay be installed or loaded into the vehicle using a minimal number oftools. The fuel storage module may or may not require specializedfixtures, devices, or mechanisms for loading and/or securing the fuelstorage modules in the vehicle. The fuel storage modules may beinstalled or loaded into the vehicle within a set amount of time. Theset amount of time may be at most about 1 hour, 30 minutes, 20 minutes,10 minutes, 5 minutes, 1 minute, or less. The fuel storage modules maybe interchangeable after the hydrogen fuel stored within the fuelstorage modules is used or spent.

FIG. 5A illustrates an example of an aircraft 10, such as an aircraftthat may be retrofitted to accommodate one or more hydrogen fuel storagemodules 20 and one or more fuel cells 34 that may be used with the oneor more hydrogen fuel storage modules 20. FIG. 5B is a partiallytransparent schematic view of the aircraft 10 configured for use withthe hydrogen fuel storage modules 20. The one or more hydrogen fuelstorage modules 20 and/or the one or more fuel cells 34 may be placed inthe fuel module storage area 22, on or near various locations on theaircraft (e.g. fuel storage area or cavity, cargo hold, tail, wings,bottom of fuselage, nacelle, internal cabin, etc.). The one or morehydrogen fuel storage modules 20 and/or the one or more fuel cells 34may be placed on a top portion, a bottom portion, a front portion, aback portion, and/or one or more side portions of the aircraft 10. Insome cases, the one or more hydrogen fuel storage modules 20 and/or theone or more hydrogen fuel cells 34 may be housed within a nacelleregion, a wing region, or a cabin region of the aircraft 10. The one ormore hydrogen fuel storage modules 20 and/or the one or more hydrogenfuel cells 34 may be placed in any portion of the aircraft 300 notdesigned to carry one or more passengers or flight crew members.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 5B, the fuel storage modules 20are loaded into and securely retained in the aircraft's fuselage 80within a fuel module storage area 22 aft of the passenger cabin 82. Thefuel module storage area 22 is configured to securely retain and alignthe fuel storage modules 20 with connection points to the aircraft'sfuel cell system 84. In some cases, the vehicle (e.g., the aircraft 300)may comprise a cabin or housing, such as the fuselage 80, that mayinclude one or more internal cavities or storage areas, such as the fuelmodule storage area 22. A fuel cell system 84 comprising one or morefuel cells 34 and one or more fuel storage modules 20 may be provided orlocated within the storage area of the fuselage 80. The fuel cell system84 may be provided on the vehicle and may be used to power the vehicle.The fuel storage modules 20 may be operatively connected to the fuelcells 34 via a single pipe, a plurality of pipes, or a manifold system132 (FIG. 5B) in fluid communication with the fuel cells 34.

The fuel cell system 84 and/or the hydrogen storage modules 20 may beplaced within the housing of the aircraft 10 or other vehicle. The fuelcell system 84 and/or the hydrogen fuel storage modules 20 may be withinone or more internal cavities of the housing. The vehicle may include acentral body comprising the cavity. The fuel cell system and/or thehydrogen storage modules 20 may be within the central body of thevehicle.

FIG. 6A illustrates an inner volume of the aircraft 10 that may beconfigured to receive one or more fuel storage modules 20. The one ormore fuel storage modules 20 may be loaded into a fuel module storagearea 22 within the inner volume of the fuselage 80 of the aircraft 10,such as behind the passenger cabin 82 (FIG. 5B), and slightly behind thecenter of gravity of the aircraft 10 when loaded. In some non-limitingexamples, the fuel module storage area 22 of the aircraft's inner volume22 may be configured to receive a plurality of fuel storage modules 20a, 20 b, 20 c. Some of the fuel storage modules 20 b and 20 c may be ofa same size and/or shape. Some of the fuel storage modules 20 a and 20 bmay be of different sizes and/or shapes. The fuel storage modules 20 a,20 b, 20 c may be sized and/or shaped so as to fit inside the innervolume in a conformal manner. The fuel storage modules 20 a, 20 b, 20 cmay be sized and/or shaped to maximize an amount of space occupiedwithin the module storage area 22 within inner volume. In some cases,the fuel storage modules 20 a, 20 b, 20 c may be stacked on top of eachother. However, any other suitable packing configuration may be used toload the fuel storage modules 20 a, 20 b, 20 c into the inner volume.

FIG. 6B illustrates another example of a possible packing configurationfor a plurality of fuel storage modules. In some instances, a pluralityof smaller fuel storage modules 20 d may be stacked on top of aplurality of larger fuel storage modules 20 e. As shown in FIG. 6C, insome instances, the plurality of larger fuel storage modules 20 e may bestacked on top of each other, and the plurality of smaller fuel storagemodules 20 d may be placed in or near the gaps or spaces between thelarger fuel storage modules 20 e. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 6D, insome cases, a plurality of fuel storage modules 20 e may be arranged ina hexagonal packing configuration. In some cases, a plurality of smallerfuel storage modules 20 d may be placed in or near the gaps or spacesbetween the larger fuel storage modules 20 e. FIG. 6E illustratesanother example of a packing configuration for a plurality of fuelstorage modules 20 f and 20 g. As shown in FIG. 6F, the plurality offuel storage modules 20 f and 20 g may be loaded into the fuel modulestorage area 22 within an inner volume of an aircraft while arranged inthe packing configuration shown in FIG. 6E.

Couplings

The fuel storage modules 20 may be loaded into the aircraft 10 or othervehicle and secured to the vehicle using one or more couplingmechanisms. FIG. 7 is an elevation view of some embodiments wherein thefuel storage modules 20 are releasably retained in selected positions byat coupling mechanism 90 connected to the airframe in the fuel modulestorage area 22. For example, the coupling mechanisms 90 can be clampmembers or other mechanisms attached to anchor rails affixed to theairframe. The clamp members releasably clamp onto lower portions of thetruss 50 of a fuel storage module 20 to affix the fuel storage module ina predetermined position within the fuel module storage area 22. Otherembodiments can use other coupling mechanisms. The one or more couplingmechanisms 90 may not or need not require a usage of tools to loadand/or secure the fuel storage modules 20 to the aircraft 10 or othervehicle. The one or more coupling mechanisms 90 may be configured tocontrol a spatial disposition of the fuel storage modules 20 relative tothe vehicle, the one or more fuel cells in the vehicle, and/or apropulsion system of the vehicle.

In some cases, the fuel storage modules 20 may be affixed or releasablycoupled to the loading equipment 28 as described above. The loadingequipment may be configured with an adapter (e.g., a rack, frame,holder, mount, cradle, bracket, etc.) to receive and arrange one or morefuel storage modules in a predetermined configuration. In such cases,the loading equipment may be configured to position the fuel storagemodules into the vehicle (e.g., the aircraft 10) be releasably coupledto one or more structural components of the vehicle using the one ormore coupling mechanisms.

The one or more coupling mechanisms may comprise a permanent coupling ora releasable coupling. In some instances, the fuel storage modules maybe coupled to one or more structural components of the vehicle usingadhesives, bonding, welding, fasteners (e.g., screws, nuts, bolts,pins), interference fits, snap fits, and the like. The couplingmechanisms may fix the fuel storage modules in a predetermined positionand/or orientation relative to the vehicle, the fuel cells of thevehicle, or the propulsion system of the vehicle.

The coupling mechanisms may be configured to prevent inadvertentdecoupling and may constrain a movement (e.g., a translation and/or arotation) of the fuel storage modules when the vehicle is moving. Insome embodiments, the coupling mechanism can be adapted to reduce orprevent certain movements of the fuel storage modules and/or the loadingmodule containing the fuel storage modules. For example, the couplingmechanism may comprise one or more stabilizing elements (e.g., dampers)for reducing or eliminating unwanted motions (e.g., shaking and/orvibrations) of the fuel storage modules and/or the loading modulecontaining the fuel storage modules while the vehicle is in motion.

The fuel storage modules 20 can be removably attached to the vehicleusing the one or more coupling mechanisms. The coupling mechanisms maycomprise, for example, snap-fits, fasteners, clamps, brackets, cradles,frames, interlocking elements, mating elements, ropes, suction cups, andthe like. The coupling mechanisms described herein may comprise a quickrelease coupling mechanism. A quick release coupling mechanism mayenable a user to rapidly mechanically couple and/or decouple a pluralityof components with a short sequence of simple motions (e.g., rotating ortwisting motions; sliding motions; pulling a lever; depressing a button,switch, or plunger; etc.). For example, a quick release couplingmechanism may require no more than one, two, three, or four motions toperform a coupling and/or decoupling action. In some instances, a quickrelease coupling mechanism can be coupled and/or decoupled manually by auser without the use of tools.

Interfacing/Connectivity

The fuel storage modules 20 may be configured to interface with apropulsion system of the vehicle and/or one or more fuel cells of thevehicle. In some cases, the propulsion system may comprise a hydrogenelectric propulsion system. In other cases, the propulsion system maycomprise a jet engine or any type of internal combustion engine forburning the hydrogen fuel, as described elsewhere herein. The fuelstorage modules may be configured to provide hydrogen fuel to one ormore components of the propulsion system of the vehicle.

In some cases, the fuel storage modules 20 may be configured to providehydrogen fuel to one or more fuel cells 34. The fuel storage modules 20may have one or more fuel outputs. The fuel outputs may transfer thefuel to another part of the vehicle, such as a fuel cell 34. In oneexample, the hydrogen fuel stored within the fuel storage modules may beoutput to the fuel cells to mix with another fuel such as air or oxygen.Electricity generated by the fuel cells using the hydrogen fuel may beused to move or propel the vehicle.

The fuel storage modules 20 may be configured to interface with one ormore fuel cells 34 via a plumbing system such that the fuel storagemodules 20 and the one or more fuel cells 34 are in fluid communication.The plumbing system may comprise one or more pipes configured tofacilitate a flow of the hydrogen fuel to one or more fuel cells 34. Thefuel cells 34 may be provided in an internal portion of the vehicle. Insome cases, as shown in FIG. 5B, the internal portion may be a nacelleof the vehicle.

The fuel storage modules 20 may be operatively coupled to a plumbingsystem configured to distribute the hydrogen to the one or more fuelcells. The plumbing system and/or the fuel storage modules may compriseone or more pressure or flow regulators to control an amount of hydrogendistributed to the fuel cells or propulsion system. In some cases, thepressure or flow regulators may be configured to control a rate ofdistribution of hydrogen fuel to the fuel cells or the propulsionsystem. The hydrogen may be distributed to the one or more fuel cells asa gas.

FIG. 8 is a schematic image of a fuel interface system 100 thatoperatively couples the capsules 52 of the fuel storage modules 20 to ahydrogen fuel system and power plants of the aircraft 10 (FIG. 1) orother vehicle. The fuel interface system 100 of the illustratedembodiment includes one or more flow valves 102 and pressure regulators104 connected to a hydrogen flow fitting 106 on a respective capsule 52,such as on a closure assembly as discussed in greater detail below. Theflow valves 102 and pressure regulators 104 control the flow of hydrogenfuel from the respective capsule 52. Each pressure regulator 104 isconnected to a downstream valve 108 that is in turn connected to a quickconnect nozzle or fitting 110 that releasably connects to a mating quickconnect fitting 112 of the fuel lines 114 of the vehicle's hydrogen fueldelivery system. In the illustrated embodiment, the flow valves 102 arealso coupled to input valves 116 and a fill receptacle 118 configured toreceive hydrogen fuel when filling the capsule 52 at, for example, thehydrogen production facility 180 (FIG. 2B) discussed above. The fuelinterface system 100 also includes a vent manifold 120 coupled to thecapsules 52 to vent the system during hydrogen flow into or out of thecapsule 52.

The fuel storage modules may be configured to interface with the fueldelivery system 122 of the vehicle. The fuel delivery system 122 maycomprise one or more pipes or fuel lines defining a flow path for thefuel from the fuel storage modules to the one or more fuel cells. Thepipes may comprise a main fuel pipe and/or and a plurality ofdistribution pipes. Each distribution pipe may be connected to acorresponding fuel module. For instance, a first distribution pipe maybe connected to a first fuel module so that a first fuel from the firstfuel module may flow along the first distribution pipe. Similarly, asecond distribution pipe may be connected to a second fuel module sothat a second fuel from the second fuel module may flow along the seconddistribution pipe. Likewise, a third distribution pipe may be connectedto a third fuel module so that a third fuel from the third fuel modulemay flow along the third distribution pipe. The first fuel, the secondfuel, and/or the third fuel may comprise hydrogen. In some cases, threeor more distribution pipes may be used to direct the hydrogen from theplurality of fuel storage modules to the fuel cells. The distributionpipes may be connected to the main fuel pipe which is directly connectedto the fuel cells. In some alternate embodiments, the fuel modules mayeach individually connect to a main fuel pipe without requiring separatedistribution pipes. Each of the fuel modules may be put into selectivefluid communication with one or more fuel cells. This communication maybe facilitated using one or more shared pipe, separate pipes, or anycombination thereof. The plurality of pipes may be provided in the formof gas pipes, air ducts, hoses, tubes, etc. The pipes may be formed froma flexible or rigid material. The pipes may be made of an appropriateplastic or metal material chemically resistant to the fuel. The pipesmay enable laminar flow of fuel through the pipes.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 8, the fuel lines 114 of thevehicle's hydrogen fuel delivery system 122 downstream of the quickconnect fitting 112 are coupled to a low pressure regulator 124 and acheck valve 126 located upstream from the hydrogen fuel cell system 32discussed above. The fuel interface system 100 of the illustratedembodiment is an example of only one configuration that can be used.Other embodiments can include a fuel interface system 100 with differentcomponents and/or layouts.

FIG. 9 illustrates quick connect fittings 110 and 112 that may be usedin accordance with some embodiments. The quick connect fitting 110 ofthe capsule 52 is a female connection coupled to a flexible hose or fuelline connected to the downstream valve 158. The quick connect fitting112 of the vehicle's hydrogen fuel delivery system 122 is a male fittingconfigured to releasably plug into the female quick connect fitting 110to provide a fully sealed interface that substantially prevent hydrogenleakage at the connection between the quick connect fittings 110 and112. While the male fitting 110 is on the capsule side and the femalefitting 112 is on the vehicle fuel system side, the connections can beswitched in other embodiments so the male fitting 110 in on the vehiclefuel system side and the female fitting 112 is on the fuel storagemodule side. Other embodiments can provide a quick connect configurationwith other fittings. Further, some embodiments are configured for manualconnection and disconnection between the male and female fittings 112and 110. Other embodiments can be configured for an automated connectionand disconnection process. Similarly, the fill receptacle 118 of thefuel interface system 100 of the interface can also have a quick connectsystem, such a male or female fitting, for engaging a mating componentat the hydrogen production facility for filling or re-filling of thecapsules 52 of the fuel storage modules 20.

The fuel modules 20 may remain in fluid communication with thedistribution pipes and/or any other pipe. Alternatively, they may be inselective fluid communication with the pipes. The fuel modules may bebrought in and out of fluid communication with the pipes. For instance,a valve may control a flow of fuel between the modules and thedistribution pipe. In some embodiments, each fuel module may have acorresponding valve that may allow control of whether each individualfuel module is in fluid communication with a pipe. The valves may beindependently controlled, which may allow fuel modules to independentlybe brought into or out of fluid communication with one or more pipes. Insome cases, a controller may be used to selectively control which fuelmodules are used to deliver hydrogen fuel to the propulsion system ofthe vehicle.

In some embodiments, a flow regulator may be provided along the mainfuel pipe. For instance, the flow regulator may be provided between thefuel storage modules and the fuel cells. A control module 128 may beconfigured to control an operation of the flow regulator to control theflow of the fuel from the fuel storage modules to the fuel cells. Forinstance, the control module 128 may control an on/off state of the flowof the fuel through the pipes. The control module may also control andregulate a flow rate and/or a flow pressure of the fuel through thepipes. The control module may control a flow rate and/or flow pressureof the fuel along a continuous spectrum, or at one or more predefinedfuel flow levels. The control module may comprise a controllerconfigured to control a plurality of gas flow control valves to controlthe flow of the hydrogen fuel to the fuel cell. The control module mayprovide signals that may control a flow of fuel at any juncture from thefuel modules to the fuel cells. For instance, the control module maycontrol flow from the fuel modules to a distribution pipe or other typeof pipe, or from a distribution pipe to a main pipe, or along a mainpipe, or between a main pipe and a fuel cell. The control module maycontrol flow of fuel, which may affect a direction of fuel flow. Forinstance, when one or more fuel cells are being used to produceelectricity, the control module may control one or more valves or flowregulators to control an amount or a rate of fuel flowing from the fuelmodules to one or more pipes (e.g., distribution pipe to main pipe) tothe fuel cells.

In some instances, a flow of hydrogen between the fuel storage modulesand the fuel cells may be controlled using a gas flow control valve. Thegas flow control valve may have a binary open and closed position.Alternatively, a gas flow control valve may be a proportional valve thatmay control the flow rate of the gas that flows between the fuel storagemodules and the fuel cells. For example, a proportional valve may have awide open configuration that may permit a greater rate of flow than apartially open configuration that may permit a lesser rate of flow.Optionally, regulating, throttling, metering or needle valves may beused. Return or non-return valves may be used. A valve may have anynumber of ports. For example, a two-port valve may be used.Alternatively, a three-port, four-port or other type of valve may beused in alternative configurations. Any description herein of valves mayapply to any other type of flow control mechanism. The flow controlmechanisms may be any type of binary flow control mechanism (e.g.,containing only an open and closed position) or variable flow controlmechanism (e.g., which may include various degrees of open and closedpositions). The flow control mechanisms may comprise, for example, checkvalves, shutoff valves, solenoid valves, bleed valves, relief valves,pressure regulating valves, regulators, bypass valves, filters, and/oradditional flow components. In some cases, a flow of hydrogen betweenthe fuel storage modules and the fuel cells may be controlled using oneor more one or more electronically-controlled shutoff valves, such assolenoid valves.

In some cases, the flow control mechanisms may comprise one or moreregulators. The one or more regulators may be a pressure regulator, amass flow controller, or any other flow control components known in theart. For example, the regulator can comprise a restricting element(e.g., a valve that can provide a variable restriction to the flow, suchas a globe valve, butterfly valve, poppet valve, etc.), a loadingelement (e.g., a part that can apply force/loading to the restrictingelement, such as, for example, a weight, a spring, a piston actuator, adiaphragm actuator in combination with a spring, a pneumatic actuator,an electronically controlled actuator or motor, etc.), and a measuringelement (e.g., diaphragm, mass flow meter, pressure sensor, temperaturesensor, etc.).

One or more actuators may be used to control the flow controlmechanisms. The actuators may be in fluid communication with at leastone fuel path (also referred to herein as a “fuel flow path” or “fluidflow path”) configured to deliver hydrogen fuel to and/or from the fuelstorage modules. The actuator may be in fluid communication with thefuel path(s) at the point(s) of actuation and/or at other location(s).The actuator may be in fluid communication with the fuel path(s) inorder to sense a fuel flow parameter (e.g., a flow rate). For example,the actuator may be a mechanical spring actuated by fuel pressure (e.g.,thereby opening or closing a bypass valve). Other mechanical actuationconfigurations may include, for example, gears or translation stages,pneumatic actuation (e.g., fuel pressure force may compress a hydraulicfluid that actuates a bypass valve, magnetic actuation (e.g., fuelpressure force may move a magnetic component in proximity of a matingmagnetic component until the components experience a sufficient magneticattraction force to engage mechanically, thereby opening or closing avalve), etc. In some cases, the actuator may be operatively coupled to asensor, such as, for example, a pressure sensor. In some cases, theactuator may not be operatively coupled to a sensor but may sense theparameter implicitly (e.g., a spring loading may change as a result ofchanging fuel pressure force).

Sensors 130 may be integrated with the fuel delivery system. In somecases, such sensors 130 may communicate with one or more flow controlmechanisms, actuators, or control units (e.g., a processor, acontroller, or an electronic control unit (ECU)). In some cases,individual valves and/or flow control components may be electronicallycontrolled by the control unit (e.g., automatically controlled oruser-controlled). In some cases, individual valves and/or flow controlcomponents may be electronically controlled through the control unit aswell as mechanically controlled (e.g., automatically controlled oruser-controlled).

In some cases, one or more pressure transducers, pressure gauges,thermocouples, or other sensors may be deployed along a plurality offluid flow paths between the fuel storage modules and the fuel cells. Insome cases, a control unit may receive temperature, pressure and/orother sensor data and may provide a signal to the one or more solenoidvalves to open or close to control (e.g., close or open) appropriatefuel paths. Further, a status and/or a configuration of the fuel pathsmay be displayed to an operator of the vehicle. Further, the controlunit may display other system parameters (e.g., fuel level, remainingrange, fault conditions, etc.) which may be relevant to the fuel paths.The control unit may communicate with various components of the fueldelivery system. Data, control signals and/or parameters resulting fromsuch communications may be used for controlling the fuel flow paths, andvice versa. For example, a fault condition or a signal received from thefuel delivery system may be used to decide which fuel flow paths or fuelstorage modules to use.

The control unit 128 may be in communication with one or more sensors130. The sensors 130 may be a pressure sensor, temperature sensor,accelerometer, optical sensor, shock sensor, damage sensor, acousticsensor, or any other type of sensor. Examples of types of pressuresensors may include a piezoresistive strain gauge, capacitive pressuresensor, electromagnetic pressure sensor, piezoelectric pressure sensor,optical pressure sensor, potentiometric pressure sensor, resonantpressure sensor, thermal pressure sensor, and/or ionization pressuresensor. In some embodiments, a transducer may be provided (e.g., forpressure and temperature) that may provide an electronic signal to thecontrol unit. In some embodiments, a plurality of sensors may be incommunication with the control unit. The plurality of sensors may be thesame type of sensors, or may include different types of sensors. Forexample, one or more temperature sensors and one or more pressuresensors may be in communication with the control unit. In someembodiments, a temperature sensor and/or pressure sensor may be capableof detecting or measuring ambient conditions or the temperature and/orpressure of the hydrogen fuel stored within the fuel storage modules.

Prior to providing the hydrogen gas to the fuel cells, all of the gasflow control valves may be closed. The fuel storage modules may containthe hydrogen gas therein, which may be prevented from flowing to thefuel cells by the closed gas flow control valves. A signal may beprovided from the controller to each gas flow control valve that maycause the gas flow control valve to open. In some instances, signals toopen the gas flow control valves may be provided when the vehicle isabout to take flight. The signals may also be generated when one or morepropulsion units of the vehicle are to be powered, and/or when othernon-propulsion components of the vehicle are to be powered. When the gasflow control valves are opened, the hydrogen gas may flow from the fuelstorage modules to the fuel cells so that electricity can be generatedto power the vehicle. The hydrogen gas may be rapidly provided to thefuel cell. In some instances, the hydrogen gas from the gas bag mayreach the fuel cell within 0.01 seconds, 0.05 seconds, 0.1 seconds, 0.2seconds, 0.3 seconds, 0.4 seconds, 0.5 seconds, 0.6 seconds, 0.7seconds, 0.8 seconds, 0.9 seconds, 1 second, 1.2 seconds, 1.5 seconds, 2seconds, 3 seconds, or 5 seconds. The amount, flow rate and/or pressureof the hydrogen gas to the fuel cells may be controlled using thecontroller to control one or more of the gas flow control valves.

Fuel Cell

As described above, the hydrogen fuel compatible vehicles may compriseone or more fuel cells 34. In some cases, the hydrogen fuel compatiblevehicles may comprise a propulsion system that comprises or isoperatively coupled to one or more fuel cells. The one or more fuelcells may be configured to use hydrogen and air to generate electricity.The fuel cells may also produce byproducts such as thermal energy and/orwater. In some cases, the water may comprise water vapor. For example,the fuel cells 34 of the aircraft 10 discussed above in connection withFIG. 5B utilize a plurality of fuel cell stacks of the type manufacturedby Plug Power, Inc. The fuel cell 34 may receive hydrogen gas from thefuel storage modules 20 via the plumbing or manifold system 132connected to the capsules 52 containing the hydrogen fuel. The fuel cell34 may have an air intake for receiving air. The fuel cells 34 may beplaced in or near a structural component of the aircraft 10 or othervehicle configured to receive enhanced air flow (e.g., due to a locationor a shape of the structural component). The fuel cell 34 may have awater outlet 134 configured to expel the water generated by the fuelcell 34. In some cases, the fuel cell 34 may comprise a heat dissipationsystem 136 to dissipate heat generated by the operation of the fuelcell.

The fuel cell may be configured to receive a first fuel from the fuelstorage modules via one or more pipes or fluid flow paths 138. The firstfuel may comprise hydrogen. The fuel cell may be further configured toreceive a second fuel. The second fuel may be oxygen provided in agaseous state or a liquid state. The second fuel may be delivered to thefuel cell via an inlet hole in the fuel cell. In some embodiments, thesecond fuel may be delivered from the ambient environment to the fuelcell. The second fuel may be delivered via forced airflow through theinlet hole. The ambient air may include oxygen that may be used by thefuel cell as the second fuel.

The fuel cell may be configured to generate electricity, by reacting afirst fuel (e.g., hydrogen) with a second fuel through anelectrochemical reaction. The first fuel may be hydrogen from the fuelstorage container. The second fuel may be oxygen from the ambient air.Alternatively, the second fuel may be provided from another storagemodule (e.g., an oxygen tank). Electrical contacts may be provided toconnect the electrical output of the fuel cell to one or more propulsionsystems or units of the vehicle, a power consuming unit of the vehicle,or an energy storage unit of the vehicle (e.g., battery). In someembodiments, a sensor may be electrically connected to the fuel cell,and configured to dynamically detect and record the electrical output ofthe fuel cell.

In some cases, the fuel cell may be a proton-conducting fuel cell. Thefuel cell may comprise a cathode, an anode, and an electrolyte. The fuelcell may be configured to receive a first fuel (e.g., hydrogen gas) anda second fuel (e.g., oxygen gas). The hydrogen gas may be provided froma fuel storage module located on and/or releasably coupled to thevehicle. The oxygen gas may be obtained from air in the ambientenvironment. The electrolyte may allow positively charged hydrogen ions(or protons) to move between the two sides of the fuel cell. The anodeand cathode may contain catalysts that cause the fuel to undergooxidation reactions that generate positive hydrogen ions and electrons.The hydrogen ions may be drawn through the electrolyte after thereactions. At the same time, electrons may be drawn from the anode tothe cathode through an external circuit, producing direct currentelectricity. At the cathode, hydrogen ions, electrons, and oxygen mayreact to form water. In some embodiments, to deliver the desired amountof energy, a plurality of fuel cells (e.g., a fuel cell stack) can becombined in series to yield higher voltage, or in parallel to allow ahigher current to be supplied. The cell surface area can also beincreased in the fuel cell stack, to allow higher current from eachcell. A fuel cell may be provided in different designs andconfigurations, for example, proton exchange membrane fuel cells(PEMFCs), molten carbonate fuel cell (MCFC), phosphoric acid fuel cell(PAFC), solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC), etc.

In some instances, the fuel cell may operate in accordance with a needor demand by the vehicle. For instance, when power consuming units orpropulsion systems of the vehicle demand more energy, the fuel cells maywork to produce more energy. In such situations, the fuel cell mayconsume fuels at a faster rate. When less energy demand is providedon-board the vehicle, the fuel cell may produce less energy. Forinstance, the fuel cell may consume fuels at a slower rate.Alternatively, the fuel cell may consume fuel independently of an energydemand. In some cases, the fuel cells may be operatively coupled to oneor more batteries. The one or more batteries may be charged or rechargedusing the electricity generated by the fuel cells. The batteries may beconfigured to provide electricity to drive one or more electric motorsand/or one or more propellers.

As described above, the fuel cell may be configured to generateelectricity using a first fuel and a second fuel. As described above,the first fuel may comprise hydrogen gas (H₂) and the second fuel maycomprise oxygen gas (O₂). The fuel cell may be configured to generateelectricity by reacting hydrogen gas from the fuel storage containerwith oxygen gas through an electrochemical reaction. The oxygen gas maybe obtained from air from the ambient environment.

The electrochemical reaction in the fuel cell may generate a byproduct.The byproduct may be a liquid. When the first fuel is hydrogen and thesecond fuel is oxygen, water may be generated as the byproduct of theelectrochemical reaction. The byproduct may be discharged from the fuelcell via a drain vent or outlet in fluid communication with the fuelcell. The byproduct may add to the load of the vehicle if it is notremoved from the vehicle. An added load to the vehicle may increase theweight of the vehicle and reduce a range of the vehicle. In someembodiments, the vehicle may be configured to remove the byproduct fromthe vehicle, to reduce the load and increase flight time of the vehicle.The byproduct may be removed via evaporation using forced convection.

Byproduct Management

In some cases, ventilation may be provided that may aid in the forcedconvection and/or removal of the byproduct. In cases where the byproductis a benign byproduct, such as water, the byproduct may be safelydispersed to an environment. Alternatively, the byproduct may be removedby subjecting the byproduct to electrolysis to cause the byproduct todecompose into its elements. The electrolysis of the byproduct may alsobe used to generate additional fuel for the fuel cell. In some cases,the water byproduct may be used as a coolant.

Heat may be generated by the fuel cell since the electrochemicalreaction is usually exothermic. The heat may affect theperformance/reliability of the fuel cell, as well as other internalcomponents of the vehicle. In some cases, a venting system may be usedfor removal of heat from the fuel cell, to regulate the workingtemperature of the fuel cell, and to improve the performance and/orreliability of the fuel cell. The heat may be removed by applying forcedconvection to evaporate the byproduct to cool the fuel cell. Ventilationmay be provided that may aid in the forced convection and/or removal ofthe heat. In some cases, the heat may be managed or dissipated using oneor more radiators conformal with (i.e., sized and/or shaped to conformto the shape of) the external skin of the vehicle. The one or moreradiators may be in thermal communication with the fuel cells or anotherheat management system integrated into the vehicle.

In some cases, the vehicle may comprise a first venting system. In somecases, the fuel cell and/or the propulsion system of the vehicle maycomprise a second venting system in fluid communication with the firstventing system. In some cases, the second venting system may beintegrated with the first venting system of the vehicle.

In some cases, the venting system of the vehicle may be furtherconfigured to dissipate hydrogen fuel inadvertently released (e.g., byleaking) from the fuel cells or the fuel storage modules. In some cases,the venting system of the vehicle may be configured to dissipatehydrogen fuel controllably released from the fuel storage modules tomitigate a burst scenario.

The venting system may be configured to expose the byproduct to forcedconvection (e.g., forced airflow), so as to remove the byproduct fromthe vehicle. The venting system may provide fluid communication betweenthe byproduct and an ambient environment around the vehicle. Having theventing system may increase the rate at which the byproduct may beremoved.

The venting system may be configured to evaporate and remove the waterfrom the vehicle using forced convection. The water may be exposed toforced convection in the venting system. The forced convection may begenerated with aid of one or more propulsion units of the vehicle thatgenerates airflow over the water. The forced convection mayalternatively be generated with aid of one or more internal fans orpumps. The forced convection may cause air to flow over the byproduct ata rapid rate. The forced airflow may be within a housing of the vehicle.The direction of the forced airflow may be substantially parallel to asurface of the byproduct. Alternatively, the direction of the forcedairflow may be substantially perpendicular to the surface, or at anyother angle relative to the surface (e.g., about 15 degrees, 30 degrees,45 degrees, 60 degrees, or 75 degrees).

The venting system may comprise one or more air inlet holes and one ormore air exhaust vents. The air inlet hole and the exhaust vent may beprovided on a housing of the vehicle. The airflow may be directed intothe venting system through the air inlet hole. In some cases, the one ormore propulsion units of the vehicle may include a propeller. Thepropulsion units of the vehicle may force air from the ambientenvironment into an inner portion or volume of the vehicle through theair inlet hole. In some embodiments, the air inlet hole may bepositioned near the propeller of the vehicle (e.g., within 1%, 3%, 5%,or 10% of the length of the arm of the propeller). Alternatively, theair inlet hole may not or need not be near the propeller of the vehicle.The propulsion units may be configured to force the air to flow into acentral cavity of the vehicle where the fuel cell and its byproduct arestored. The byproduct may be evaporated by the airflow and dischargedthrough the air exhaust vent. The air exhaust vent may be located on acentral body of the vehicle. The air exhaust vent may be located near anarea where the byproduct may collect. The byproduct may be removed fromthe vehicle to reduce a weight of the vehicle. The weight of the vehiclemay be reduced to decrease an amount of power needed to power thevehicle, so as to increase the flight time and range of the vehicle.

In some cases, the fuel cells may be operatively coupled to a heatdissipation system to manage the thermal energy produced by the fuelcells. The fuel cells may be coupled to the heat dissipation system in aconformal way to efficiently dissipate the heat generated by the fuelcells. The excess heat produced by the fuel cells may be reused orrecycled. In some cases, the excess heat may be provided to the wings orthe empennage of the vehicle to energize one or more boundary layersgenerated during flight and to facilitate laminar flow across the wingsor in the wake. In some cases, the excess heat may be provided to thewings of the vehicle to perform de-icing.

Power Delivery

The electricity generated by the fuel cells may be provided to apropulsion system of the vehicle. In some cases, the propulsion systemmay comprise one or more electric motors. In some cases, the electricitygenerated by the fuel cells may be provided to a motor controllerconfigured to control an operation of the one or more electric motors.The one or more electric motors may be installed and/or housed where anengine of a non-retrofit vehicle is typically installed and/or housed.In some cases, the propulsion system may comprise a high-power motor. Insome cases, the propulsion system may comprise a gear box. In somecases, the propulsion system may not or need not require a gear box. Insome cases, the propulsion system may comprise one, two, or morepropellers driven using the electricity generated by the fuel cells.

In some cases, the fuel cell may be operatively coupled to a powerdelivery system. The power delivery system may be configured to transmitor deliver the electricity or electrical energy generated by the fuelcell to one or more propulsion units of the vehicle. The electricity maybe distributed using a kilovolt (kV) power delivery and distributionsystem. In some cases, the power delivery and distribution system may beconfigured for less than 270V, 540V, or 1 kV. In some cases, the powerdelivery and distribution system may be configured for greater than 1kV.

Refueling and Inspection

The fuel cells of the vehicle may be used to generate electricity untilone or more hydrogen fuel storage modules are depleted. Once thehydrogen fuel is expended or partially expended, the fuel storagemodules 20 (FIG. 2B) may be collected or removed from the aircraft 10 orother vehicle and refilled. The fuel storage modules 20 may betransported to a refueling site, a hydrogen production facility, and/oranother source of hydrogen for refilling. In the illustrated embodiment,the fuel storage modules 20 are transported to the hydrogen productionfacility 42 for re-fueling. In some cases, the fuel storage module orparts of the module may be refurbished and/or tested before beingredeployed on another vehicle or the same vehicle. In some cases, theexpended or partially expended hydrogen fuel storage modules may beinspected prior to refueling. In some cases, the expended or partiallyexpended hydrogen fuel storage modules may be inspected before, during,or after flight. In other cases, the expended or partially expendedhydrogen fuel storage modules may be inspected before, during, or afterinstallation into the vehicle.

Decoupling

The fuel storage modules 20 may be removed from the vehicle afterinstallation and use. In some cases, the fuel storage modules may bedecoupled from one or more portions of the vehicle. Decoupling the fuelstorage modules from the vehicle may comprise undoing or disengaging oneor more coupling mechanisms initially used to secure or load the fuelstorage modules into the vehicle. In some cases, the decoupling mayinvolve disengaging one or more interlocking coupling mechanisms.

In some embodiments, a decoupling mechanism may be used to decouple thefuel storage modules 20. The decoupling mechanism may be, for example, arobotic arm, an actuator, a spring, or a mechanical elevator. Themechanical elevator may affect a horizontal movement to decouple thefuel storage modules from the vehicle. The mechanical elevator mayaffect a vertical movement to decouple the fuel storage modules from thevehicle. The decoupling mechanism configured to decouple and/or removethe fuel storage modules may comprise an end member adapted to attach tothe fuel storage modules to be removed from the vehicle. For example,the end member may be a magnet, a hook, a suction device, or a clamp.The fuel storage modules may be translated without being rotated duringdecoupling and/or removal. In alternative embodiments, the fuel storagemodules may be rotated during removal. In some cases, the decouplingmechanism may be used to affect a vertical, horizontal, circular, orradial movement, or any combination of such movements, to decouple thefuel storage modules from the vehicle.

After the fuel storage modules 20 are decoupled from one or morestructural components of the vehicle, the fuel storage modules may beconfigured to slide out of an inner portion or volume of the vehicle.The fuel storage modules may be transported to a refueling site, ahydrogen production facility, and/or another source of hydrogen forrefilling.

Networking

In some cases, the systems and methods disclosed herein may beimplemented using a just-in-time system configured to determine a demandfor hydrogen fuel at one or more vehicle fueling sites. One or morehydrogen fuel compatible vehicles, such as the aircraft 10 discussedabove, may be located in or near the one or more vehicle fueling sites46 (FIG. 2A). The just-in-time system may be configured to determine ademand for hydrogen fuel based on a number of vehicles at each fuelingsite, a frequency of operation of such vehicles, and/or a distancetravelled by such vehicles during a typical trip or based on historicaland predicted future operating patterns.

The just-in-time system may be configured to coordinate a delivery ofone or more fuel storage modules to one or more fueling sites based on atime required to transport the fuel storage modules from a hydrogenproduction facility to the vehicle fueling sites. In some cases, thejust-in-time system may be configured to coordinate a delivery of one ormore fuel storage modules to one or more fueling sites based on a timeof arrival or a time of departure of one or more vehicles located in ornear the vehicle fueling sites. In some cases, the just-in-time systemmay be configured to coordinate a delivery of one or more fuel storagemodules to a plurality of different fueling sites to meet a demand forhydrogen fuel at different fueling sites. In some cases, thejust-in-time system may be configured to coordinate a delivery of one ormore fuel storage modules to a first vehicle fueling site, and may beconfigured to coordinate a delivery of one or more fuel storage modulesto a second vehicle fueling site after one or more vehicles travel fromthe first vehicle fueling site to the second vehicle fueling site. Insome cases, the delivery may be performed in multiple stages (e.g., froma production depot to a regional distribution hub to a fuelinglocation). In some cases, the delivery may be performed using aplurality of different modes of transit. In some cases, the delivery maybe planned or coordinated based on factors such as, for example,weather, seasonality, historical data, and/or demand or productionreports from operators or various stakeholders.

In some cases, the systems and methods of the present disclosure may beimplemented using an algorithm configured to coordinate shipping of thefuel storage modules based on a demand for the hydrogen as well ascurrent and future production rates for hydrogen. In some cases, thealgorithm may be configured to account for current, historical, andprojected energy/electricity prices, expected transit times, thelocations of one or more hydrogen production facilities, productioncapacities of the one or more hydrogen production facilities, transportlogistics for a given consumption or demand profile, an availability ofone or more modes of transport, the locations of the one or more vehiclefueling sites, a current or future willingness of consumers to pay forthe hydrogen, and/or level of service guarantees. In some cases, thealgorithm may be configured to identify optimal production sites (e.g.,by location and/or production capacity) and to optimize transportlogistics (e.g., a selection of the best modes of transport) for a givenconsumption or demand profile, to minimize production and transportationcosts and maximize on-time deliveries. In some cases, the algorithm maybe configured to optimize production of hydrogen at various hydrogenproduction facilities located in different regions.

In some cases, the systems and methods of the present disclosure may beused to automatically generate shipping documentation to coordinateshipping and delivery/transport of the fuel storage modules to or fromvehicle fueling sites. In some cases, the systems and methods of thepresent disclosure may be used to generate documentation such as weightand balance checklists or fuel calculations, which can aid in thecoordination of shipping, transport, delivery, and usage of fuel storagemodules. In some cases, the systems and methods of the presentdisclosure may be used to generate documentation that comprises one ormore sensor readings or measurements obtained using any of the sensors,sensor systems, or sensor suites described herein.

Algorithms for Monitoring

In any of the embodiments described herein, a sensor suite may beprovided or implemented to monitor a plurality of parameters associatedwith the fuel storage modules, through a life of the fuel storagemodules (i.e., from filling the fuel storage modules with hydrogen to atransportation of the fuel storage modules to a loading of the fuelstorage modules in one or more hydrogen fuel compatible vehicles to aconsumption of the hydrogen fuel by the hydrogen fuel compatiblevehicles to an unloading of the fuel storage modules to an inspectionand/or refueling of the hydrogen fuel storage modules). The plurality ofparameters may comprise the temperature of the hydrogen stored withinthe fuel storage modules, the pressure of the hydrogen stored within thefuel storage modules, the velocity or acceleration of the hydrogen fuelstorage modules, an amount of gas venting or leakage from the fuelstorage modules, a load exerted on the fuel storage modules due to anacceleration or a deceleration of the fuel storage modules, a loadexerted on the fuel storage modules due to one or more vibrations orshocks, or any changes to such parameters over a period of time. In anyof the embodiments described herein, a monitoring algorithm may beimplemented to actively monitor and process readings or measurementsobtained using the sensor suite. In some cases, the monitoring algorithmmay be configured to detect failure scenarios and/or mitigate suchfailure scenarios (e.g., by sending one or more commands to a controlleror an actuator to vent the fuel storage modules or to shut off fueldelivery from the fuel storage modules to one or more fuel cells).

Another aspect of the present disclosure provides a non-transitorycomputer readable medium comprising machine executable code that, uponexecution by one or more computer processors, implements any of themethods above or elsewhere herein.

Another aspect of the present disclosure provides a system comprisingone or more computer processors and computer memory coupled thereto. Thecomputer memory comprises machine executable code that, upon executionby the one or more computer processors, implements any of the methodsabove or elsewhere herein.

Storage Module

Storage vessels (for example, the capsules 52 for hydrogen fuel) havebeen developed as described herein incorporating metal and compositematerials to allow the operating pressure of the tank to be increasedwhile reducing weight. In some embodiments, the vessels can have theconstruction discussed above. In other embodiments, the vessels may usea polymeric, aluminum, or other metallic liner about which a carbonfiber composite is filament wound around the liner to provide thestrength needed for the operating pressures of the gas. Conventionalvessels, to keep the hydrogen from escaping, may use a composite in anouter layer. The composite may include fiber and a matrix. The matrixmay be an epoxy or resin. The epoxy is used to offset or counterinterlaminar loads, shear forces, and lateral loads not in the directionof the wound fibers. Epoxy or other matrix material, however, can addsignificant weight to storage vessels, which can lead to increased fueland transportation costs. The additional weight may also reduce theamount of payload that a vehicle can carry or support. Accordingly,there is a need to reduce the weight of storage vessels.

The present disclosure provides an improved storage vessel design, thatsubstantially reduces the amount of epoxy in the vessel, thereby leadingto weight savings. In some embodiments, the use of epoxy can besubstantially reduced or eliminated. The improved storage vessel designdisclosed herein can be configured to handle interlaminar and lateralfiber loads through a balance of fibers woven in different directions,without requiring the use of an epoxy. In some of the embodimentsdisclosed herein, the storage vessel may have an elongated shape, with ahollow interior portion in which the hydrogen is stored. The hydrogenstored in the vessel may be liquid, gaseous, liquid under high pressure,or hydrogen in a state of matter anywhere along the continuum fromliquid to gas. The hydrogen storage vessel disclosed herein may compriselightweight materials, and may not require the substantial use of epoxyas required by other conventional hydrogen storage vessels.

The hydrogen storage vessel disclosed herein may include several layersof material. As discussed above in connection with FIGS. 3B and 3C,embodiments of the capsule 52 or other storage vessel includes the firstlayer 60 that may be a melt bonded or ultrasonically welded,substantially hydrogen impervious barrier layer, which may use acombination of a PE, PVA, or EVA on a support carrier so as to form thelaminated inner liner layer as discussed above. The second layer 62 maybe the insulation layer, the third layer 64 may be the load-carryinglayer, and the fourth layer 66 may be the anti-abrasion layer. Someembodiments do not include the insulation layer. The layers together maycomprise a non-rigid laminate stack that enables the sealing of hydrogenin a vessel made of lightweight materials.

The load-carrying layer 64 may use high tensile strength fibers. Thefibers may be combined into a structural layer consisting of manyfibers, in different orientations to accommodate the various loadswithin the vessel. The fiber layer may be formed as a braid, a weave, aseries of wound tows or a variety of envisioned layering methods. In theillustrated embodiment, the third layer 64 is a seamless, cylindricalcarbon-fiber weave that extends over and encases the first and secondlayers 60 and 62. The layering method enables an orientation directionof the fibers to be tailored to the location and geometry of the contourof the vessel to optimize load bearing. Closer to a cylindrical regionof the hydrogen storage vessel, the fibers may be primarily hoop andaxially oriented. As discussed in greater detail below, some or all ofthe layers forming the body of the vessel, (i.e., the capsule 52), canbe sealably arranged to provide a sealed enclosure that contains thehydrogen fuel. For example, the fiber-based third layer 64 may beclamped between two concentric rings of a closure assembly, wherein therings can interface at a tapered cone surface. The fiber may be anchoredto the outer ring and pressure loads may push the inner ring outwardsinto the cone circle. This wedging action between the concentric ringsmay clamp the fibers in place. The fiber layer may be terminated using alaminated metal resistance spot welded joint. The fiber layer may beclamped to the outer ring.

The fiber layer 64 may be braided or woven to improve themanufacturability of the system and to optimize the balance of fiberorientations throughout the structural layer. One preferred material forthe fiber braid is carbon fiber. A carbon fiber braid may be formed ineither sheets or a tube. In forming the carbon braid, numerous carbonfibers may be gathered to form tows. Then the individual tows may bewoven or braided. In a preferred material, the strands may be woven at±45° to form a woven braid. It may be preferred that the carbon isbraided so that the fibers run at a 45° angle relative to thelongitudinal length of the sheet or sleeve. With respect to cylindricalmethods, loads are mainly hoop loads on the order of pressure multipliedby radius over thickness (PR/T) and axial loads on the order of PR/2T. Apreferred fiber orientation in a cylinder section may therefore be oneset of axial fibers to two parts hoop fibers (as hoop loads are on theorder of twice axial loads in magnitude). Towards end portions of thevessel, off-axis or 45-degree fibers may be provided or implemented toaccommodate for the end portions' complex stress regions.

Similar principles may be applied for designing vessels not cylindricalin shape. The hoop and axial strains may be determined for differentvessel shapes and the fibers may be braided according to therelationships between the hoop and axial strains. If such vessels alsoinclude domed sections, those sections may also use off-axis or45-degree fibers. In some cases, complex shapes may have more than two(e.g., axial and hoop) directions of stress. For these cases, fibers mayhave to be oriented in more than two directions, with larger proportionsof fibers oriented in directions of increased stress. The carbon braidas described herein may be made of commercially-available carbon fiber(including graphite fiber).

The fiber braid may be configured according to a particular ratio offiber orientations to accommodate loads within the vessel. The fiberbraid may comprise an optimized ratio of fiber orientations toaccommodate the prevailing loads. The fiber orientations may differalong the length of the vessel depending on structural needs imposed bythe geometry and depending on the fuel type (e.g., hydrogen) storedwithin the vessel. The braid may be formed on a mandrel which enables anevolving fiber orientation. The above principles and braiding techniquecan be used to design hydrogen storage vessels of different shapes. Thebraid angles of fibers may be adjusted in order to improve performance.For example, fibers may be braided at angles of 45° in an x-y plane.Braiding of the fibers at any angle (other than at 45°) may becontemplated, in order to provide different customized strengths andneeds. For example, additional hoop fibers or axial fibers may be addedin order to optimize hoop and axial strength. In some embodiments, thebraid may be a three-dimensional (3D) carbon fiber braid. In thisembodiment the through thickness fibers may assist in the transfer ofinterlaminar or shear loading in the fiber layer.

In some embodiments, the ends of the layers of the vessel are capturedor otherwise connected to the closure assembly to provide the sealedends of the vessel. The closure assembly can include mating componentsthat form a load transfer interface. The load transfer interface may beconfigured to terminate loads experienced by the fibers. The loadtransfer interface may comprise a mechanical or structural joint. Thejoint may comprise a plurality of concentric rings (e.g., a pair ofconcentric rings) tailored in shape and profile to transfer the fiberaxial loads into the joint through friction or shear. The ring fittingmay be designed to provide an increasing concentric clamping load withincreased axial fiber loading. The ring fitting may be designed to clampload bearing fibers, while transitioning the low permeability andinsulation layers towards the inner surface of the fitting andtransitioning the abrasion resistant layers towards the outside of thefitting. This may be achieved without creating stressed creases in thelayers.

FIG. 10 shows schematic views of the closure assembly 200 and thelayers/components of the hydrogen storage capsule 52, in accordance withsome embodiments. The hydrogen storage capsule 52 may have an elongatedsmooth profile, with a conical or dome-shaped end for transferring aload. Shown in FIG. 10 are a braided fiber layer forming the third layer64 as discussed above, an inner liner layer forming the first layer 60as discussed above. The closure assembly 200 of the illustratedembodiment comprises a mating inner boss 202 and outer boss 204 thatconnect to at least some of the layers to securely anchor the layerstogether at the end (i.e., the top end 206 of the capsule 52).

Although the embodiments described herein show an elongated cylindricalcapsule 52 or other storage vessel, the present disclosure is notlimited to such a shape. Other elliptical, cylindrical, or oval shapes,for example, may also be suitable depending on the requirements of thevehicles or equipment to which the hydrogen storage vessel may becoupled to. Similarly, the end shape may not necessarily be conical ordomed in shape, but may also be, e.g., spheroid or rectangular in shape.

The closure assembly 200 may include connection fittings or othermouthpieces that facilitate connections between the hydrogen storagecapsule 52 and the fuel system of the aircraft 10 (FIG. 1) or othervehicles or other pieces of equipment. The capsule 52 can have closureassemblies 200 at each of the top and bottom ends. The outer and innerbosses 204 and 202 of the closure assembly may be made of metal, such asstainless steel, or any other appropriate. The outer boss 204 may beprovided outside of the fiber braid, while at least a portion of theinner boss 202 may be covered by the fiber braid layer 64 in aconfiguration that resolves stress in the fibers of the fiber braid whenthe capsule contains the hydrogen fuel under pressure.

The liner 60 forms the interior barrier layer configured to prevent thehydrogen from permeating through the walls of the capsule 52 or othervessel. The hydrogen-impervious liner 60 may include an inner layer andone or more exterior layers. The inner layer may directly contact thehydrogen gas, while the exterior layers may provide reinforcement forthe liner. The liner may be thin and lightweight so as to provide only alow hydrogen permeability without the ability to carry sufficient loadsby itself. The liner 60 may be configured to have high impact resistanceto prevent cracking and the escape of hydrogen gas or liquid hydrogen.The liner 60 may prevent leaks of hydrogen and chemical degradation ofthe hydrogen vessel itself. The liner 60 may be of a thermoplasticmaterial, such as a high-density polyethylene (HDPE), or a layer ofmetal such as aluminum. Additionally, the liner may be made of EVA usinga support carrier. The liner may be manufactured using an injectionmolding, rotational molding process, or thermoforming process. An EVAliner may be laminated or flat extruded.

FIG. 11 is an enlarged, partial cross-sectional view of a hydrogenstorage vessel (i.e., the capsule 52), in accordance with someembodiments. FIG. 11 also illustrates a side view of the storage vessel.Referring to FIG. 11, hydrogen (which may be in a state along thecontinuum from liquid to gas) exerts pressure on the inner most barrierlayer corresponding to the first layer 60 (FIG. 3B) discussed above. Thesystem disclosed can use the pressure from the hydrogen to seal thevessel. In some embodiments, between the barrier layer 60 and the fiberknit, corresponding to the second layer 62 (FIG. 3B) discussed above),is an insulating layer, corresponding to the third layer 64 (FIG. 3B)discussed above, which may be made of aerogel or other lightweighthigh-insulating value material. An outer anti-abrasion layer maycorrespond to the fourth layer 66 (FIG. 3B) discussed above. Near thetermination of the barrier layer 60 and/or the insulation layer 64 is astress concentration reduction element 208 the closure assembly 200. Thestress concentration reduction element 208 may be a mechanical orstructural joint made of a soft material such as rubber and fashionedinto a wedge shape. The stress concentration reduction element 208 mayfacilitate the transfer of the hydrogen load inside the body of thecapsule 52 into the closure assembly 200 or other end fitting (the outerbody), while preventing wrinkles or bunching of the insulation andbarrier layers as they are diverted towards the inner boss of the tank.

The layers of the storage vessel may comprise a fiber stack that isprimarily flexible and non-rigid. The layers may be configured to worktogether, with each layer providing a particular set of functions.

The illustrated closure assembly 200 of the capsule 52 may comprise theinner boss 202 sealably coupled to the inner layer 60. In theillustrated embodiment, the inner boss 202 has an annular body portion210 and a liner retainer 212 threadably engaging the annular bodyportion 610, such that the edge portion of the inner layer 610 iscaptured in a sealed configuration between the annular body portion 210and the liner retainer 212. The liner retainer 212 can include a centralchannel, such as a threaded aperture that communicates with thecapsule's interior volume and can receive connector of a flow controlassembly with one or more valves and/or regulators that are coupled tothe fuel outlet fitting, such as the quick disconnect fitting 112,discussed above. The liner retainer 212 of a closure assembly can besealed and also include sensors or monitors for monitoring the health ofthe capsule 52 and the hydrogen therein, including the fuels temperatureand/or pressure.

The illustrated closure assembly 200 has the annular outer boss 204securely coupled to and substantially concentric with the inner boss202. Between the inner boss 202 and outer boss 204 are the barrier 60,insulation 64, and fiber knit 62 layers. Outside the outer boss 204 maybe an anti-abrasion layer 66 (e.g., made of Kevlar). The inner and outerbosses 202 and 204 of the illustrated embodiment have a wedge-shapedinterface along which the bosses engage each other. The bosses 202 and204 can be securely held in engagement with each other by a fasteningring or other fasteners securely engaging the bosses. The concentricbosses of the closure assembly 200 may be tailored in shape to transferloads from the fiber knit to the end fitting.

The barrier layer 60 may serve to contain the hydrogen within thevessel. The barrier layer 60 may comprise a low-permeability material,such as polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) or ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA). Thebarrier layer 610 may be sufficient to trap nearly all of the hydrogengas within the vessel.

The insulation layer 64 may moderate the temperature within the vesselto ensure safe transportation of the hydrogen contents. Insulation canreduce heat transfer from the outside environment and thereby reduce theevaporation rate of the liquid hydrogen. The insulation layer 64 maycomprise a mesoporous material with low thermal conductivity, such asaerogel. Such materials may be advantageous due to their large surfaceareas, open porosity, and small pore sizes. For example, aerogels arethe lightest solid materials and have the lowest sound conductivity ofany material.

The fiber layer 62 may support the barrier layer and may contain thepressure loads of the internal gas. The fiber layer 62 may comprisebraided, woven or knit carbon fibers or other high tensile strengthfibers, such as Dynema fibers. The braided or woven fibers may be formedsuch that they comprise overlapping layers in two or more directions.Some fibers may be woven longitudinally, radially, or at various anglesalong the longitudinal axis of the vessel, to improve strength of thevessel in both circumferential and axial directions. The walls of thehydrogen storage vessel may experience a multi-axial load and strain. Insome hydrogen storage vessel designs, the hoop load may exceed the axialload. For example, for a cylindrical design the hoop load may be twicethe axial load. The fiber knit 62 disclosed herein may be configured toprovide more support with respect to the hoop direction than withrespect to the axial direction. The fiber knit layer 62 may serve as theprimary load-bearing member within the stack, resolving high-pressurehydrogen loads within the vessel. The fiber knit layer 62 may be knit orwoven such that its constituent fibers may individually be oriented intwo or more different directions, allowing for strength optimizationbased on where the fibers are located in the structure. These fiberorientations may thus vary depending on whether the storage vessel iscylindrical, oval, or of another shape. Fiber directions may also varywith respect to the structural topography of the vessel depending onwhat the surface shape geometry is doing.

The fiber knit 62 may be clamped to the outer boss 204 and the innerboss 202. The fiber knit 62 may thus resolve the axial and hoop stressesfrom the pressure of the hydrogen on the inner layers of the hydrogenstorage vessel (the barrier and insulation layers).

The anti-abrasion layer 66 may serve to protect the vessel from externalor environmental forces or impacts which may damage the tank. Theseforces may include objects hitting the tank, the tank being dropped,heavy materials being disposed on top of the tank, and pressure wavescaused by explosions or other disruptions. The anti-abrasion layer maycomprise a protective material such as Kevlar or fiberglass. Theanti-abrasion layer may be placed outside of the concentric ringstructure of the hydrogen storage vessel.

FIG. 11 (Detail A) additionally illustrates a clamping assembly 214 toadhere/couple the fiber knit 62 to the inner body of the hydrogenstorage vessel. The carbon fiber layers 216 comprising the knit patternmay be terminated using a laminated metal resistance spot-welded joint218 and clamped to the outer body. The welding process may place carbonfibers in alternating layers with laminated metallic layers. Theclamping assembly 214 may work in tandem with pressure produced by thetrapped hydrogen to wedge and seal the hydrogen storage vessel.

FIG. 12 illustrates a partial cutaway view of the hydrogen storagevessel. The cutaway view shows the inner boss 202 and outer boss 204 ofthe closure assembly 200, as well as the layers of material in-between.The inner boss 202 and outer boss 204 may have concentric ringcross-sections when viewed from above. The interface of the inner andouter bosses may have a conical shape. The inner boss 202 may be encasedin multiple layers of material (e.g., three stacked layers). The barrierlayer 60 may be the first layer, the insulation layer 64 may be thesecond layer, and the fiber knit layer 62 may be the third layer. Thecutaway view illustrates the axially and hoop-oriented fibers of thefiber knit 62. The fiber knit 62 may be clamped to the outer boss 204using the clamping assembly 214. When pressure from within the vessel isexerted outwards, it creates a wedging effect that clamps the fiberknit, insulation layer, and barrier layers in place between the innerbody and outer body. The fiber knit in turn preserves the structuralintegrity of the tank, despite the pressure caused by the entrappedhydrogen. The outer boss 204 may be encased by an abrasion layer 66(e.g., a Kevlar layer). Because of the cone shape, the inner ring orboss may not be able to move axially past the outer ring or boss.Additionally, anything in the wedge between the two rings gets clampedtighter as the ring is pushed axially by the pressure force.Non-cylindrical hydrogen tanks may also include conical interfaces, orinterfaces that bulge towards the center of the tank and taper towardsthe ends (which may or may not be dome-shaped).

FIG. 13 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of an upper portion of thecapsule 52 showing the closure assembly 200 in accordance with analternate embodiment. In the illustrated embodiment, the end portions ofthe barrier layer 60, the fiber layer 62, and the abrasion layer 60 arecaptured between the inner boss 202 and the outer boss 204. The fiberlayer 62 of the illustrated embodiment is an assembly of multiplesublayers 62 a stacked or otherwise laid up together, wherein the fibersin the various sublayers 62 a may have the same or different angularorientations relative to other sublayers 62 a. The closure assembly 200has a locking element 230 positioned concentrically around a neckportion 232 of the inner boss 202, and the locking element 230 iscaptured and compressed between the inner and outer bosses 202 and 204.The locking element 230 has a plurality of locking fins 234 extendingradially from a central sleeve 236 connected to the neck portion 232.The locking fins 234 are configured to receive one, two, or other smallnumber of the fiber sublayers 62 a in the annular spaces between thelocking fins 234.

The inner boss 202 of the illustrated embodiment projects away from thelocking element 230 and the annular outer boss 204 is positioned overand around neck portion 232 so the locking element is captured betweenthe inner and outer bosses 202 and 204. A fastening member 238 iscoupled to the outer boss 204 and configured to securely press the upperboss 204 into engagement with the locking element 230. In theillustrated embodiment, the fastening member 238 is a nut or otherthreaded member that screws onto a threaded upper end portion of theneck portion 232 is threaded, and onto the neck portion 232. As thefastening member 238 is tightened, it presses against the upper boss,which presses against the locking fins 234, and the locking fins 234press against the capsule's layers and sublayers engaging the lockingelement. The outward ends of the locking fins 234 can include flexiblestress relief members 240 to minimize loads where the layers 60, 66, andsublayers 62 b first engage the locking fins. With this construction,the locking fins 234 provide a large engagement surface area, so thefrictional engagement and holding force between the capsule's layers andthe locking element 230 is extremely large. Accordingly, thisconstruction of the closure assembly 200 provides a rigid and fullysealed interface without leakage of hydrogen fuel, particularly when thehydrogen fuel is under pressure.

FIG. 14 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of an upper portion of thecapsule 52 showing the closure assembly 200 in accordance with anotheralternate embodiment. The closure assembly 200 has the inner boss 202and a liner retainer 212 that captures the upper edge portion of thebarrier layer against the bottom surface 250 of annular body portion 210of the inner boss. The fiber layer 62 is securely captured between theupper surface of the inner boss 202 and the bottom surface of theannular outer boss 204. In the illustrated embodiment, the closureassembly also has a locking ring 252 configured so the upper edgeportion of the fiber layer 62 wraps over the locking ring 252 to thefiber layer 62 doubles back on itself. The tag end 254 of the fiberlayer 62 is also captured and locked between the bottom surface of theouter boss 204 and the upper surface of the inner boss 202. The upperboss 204 is securely fixed in place to form a clamping arrangement withthe inner boss. This configuration with the locking ring 252 creates thehydrogen impervious seal and resolves the stress in the fibers of thefiber layer 62 at the end portion when the capsule contains the hydrogenfuel under pressure. This configuration is only one example of aconstruction of the closure assembly 200, and other embodiments can useend closures 200 with other configurations.

FIG. 15 shows a process of forming a hydrogen storage vessel, inaccordance with some embodiments. The storage vessel may comprise aninner body and an outer body with multiple material layers and aclamping assembly to adhere/couple a braided fiber layer to the innerbody.

In a first operation 220, the barrier layer is formed over the innerbody. The barrier layer may be formed by processes such as forging,stamping, machining, molding, laminating, ultrasonically welding, andother processes. In a second operation 222, the insulation layer isapplied over the barrier layer. The insulation layer may be made of amaterial with low thermal conductivity, such as Aerogel. The insulationlayer may or may not be fixed to the barrier layer using a lightadhesive, ultrasonic bonding, or pin bonding. In some embodiments, thecapsule 52 does not include the insulation layer, so this step isskipped.

In a third operation 224, the fiber knit is formed over the insulationlayer. The fiber knit may be braided or woven in two or more directions.The fiber knit may or may not be fixed to the insulation layer using alight adhesive, ultrasonic bonding, or pin bonding. The fiber knit mayalso be placed between two layers of thermoplastic film and pin bondingthe layers, trapping the fiber in between. The carbon knit may beclamped to an outer body, using a clamping apparatus. In a fourthoperation 226, the anti-abrasion layer may be formed over the outerbody. The anti-abrasion layer may comprise Kevlar.

Computer Systems

In another aspect, the present disclosure provides computer systemsprogrammed or otherwise configured to implement methods of thedisclosure. FIG. 16 shows a computer system 2001 programmed or otherwiseconfigured to implement a method for carbon-free transportation. Themethod may comprise determining a demand for hydrogen fuel storagemodules and coordinating a delivery or a transportation of one or morehydrogen fuel storage modules to one or more hydrogen fuel compatiblevehicles located at or near one or more vehicle fueling sites. Thecomputer system 2001 can be an electronic device of a user or a computersystem remotely located with respect to the electronic device. Theelectronic device can be a mobile electronic device.

The computer system 2001 may include a central processing unit (CPU,also “processor” and “computer processor” herein) 2005, which can be asingle core or multi core processor, or a plurality of processors forparallel processing. The computer system 2001 also includes memory ormemory location 2010 (e.g., random-access memory, read-only memory,flash memory), electronic storage unit 2015 (e.g., hard disk),communication interface 2020 (e.g., network adapter) for communicatingwith one or more other systems, and peripheral devices 2025, such ascache, other memory, data storage and/or electronic display adapters.The memory 2010, storage unit 2015, interface 2020 and peripheraldevices 2025 are in communication with the CPU 2005 through acommunication bus (solid lines), such as a motherboard. The storage unit2015 can be a data storage unit (or data repository) for storing data.The computer system 2001 can be operatively coupled to a computernetwork (“network”) 2030 with the aid of the communication interface2020. The network 2030 can be the Internet, an internet and/or extranet,or an intranet and/or extranet in communication with the Internet. Thenetwork 2030 in some cases is a telecommunication and/or data network.The network 2030 can include one or more computer servers, which canenable distributed computing, such as cloud computing. The network 2030,in some cases with the aid of the computer system 2001, can implement apeer-to-peer network, which may enable devices coupled to the computersystem 2001 to behave as a client or a server.

The CPU 2005 can execute a sequence of machine-readable instructions,which can be embodied in a program or software. The instructions may bestored in a memory location, such as the memory 2010. The instructionscan be directed to the CPU 2005, which can subsequently program orotherwise configure the CPU 2005 to implement methods of the presentdisclosure. Examples of operations performed by the CPU 2005 can includefetch, decode, execute, and writeback.

The CPU 2005 can be part of a circuit, such as an integrated circuit.One or more other components of the system 2001 can be included in thecircuit. In some cases, the circuit is an application specificintegrated circuit (ASIC).

The storage unit 2015 can store files, such as drivers, libraries andsaved programs. The storage unit 2015 can store user data, e.g., userpreferences and user programs. The computer system 2001 in some casescan include one or more additional data storage units located externalto the computer system 2001 (e.g., on a remote server in communicationwith the computer system 2001 through an intranet or the Internet).

The computer system 2001 can communicate with one or more remotecomputer systems through the network 2030. For instance, the computersystem 2001 can communicate with a remote computer system of a user(e.g., an operator of a hydrogen fuel compatible vehicle, an operator ofa transport vehicle for transporting one or more hydrogen fuel storagemodules, a technician at a hydrogen production facility, an entitymanaging a just-in-time network for hydrogen fuel cell delivery anddistribution, etc.). Examples of remote computer systems includepersonal computers (e.g., portable PC), slate or tablet PC's (e.g.,Apple® iPad, Samsung® Galaxy Tab), telephones, Smart phones (e.g.,Apple® iPhone, Android-enabled device, Blackberry®), or personal digitalassistants. The user can access the computer system 2001 via the network2030.

Methods as described herein can be implemented by way of machine (e.g.,computer processor) executable code stored on an electronic storagelocation of the computer system 2001, such as, for example, on thememory 2010 or electronic storage unit 2015. The machine executable ormachine-readable code can be provided in the form of software. Duringuse, the code can be executed by the processor 2005. In some cases, thecode can be retrieved from the storage unit 2015 and stored on thememory 2010 for ready access by the processor 2005. In some situations,the electronic storage unit 2015 can be precluded, andmachine-executable instructions are stored on memory 2010.

The code can be pre-compiled and configured for use with a machinehaving a processor adapted to execute the code, or can be compiledduring runtime. The code can be supplied in a programming language thatcan be selected to enable the code to execute in a pre-compiled oras-compiled fashion.

Aspects of the systems and methods provided herein, such as the computersystem 2001, can be embodied in programming. Various aspects of thetechnology may be thought of as “products” or “articles of manufacture”typically in the form of machine (or processor) executable code and/orassociated data carried on or embodied in a type of machine readablemedium. Machine-executable code can be stored on an electronic storageunit, such as memory (e.g., read-only memory, random-access memory,flash memory) or a hard disk. “Storage” type media can include any orall of the tangible memory of the computers, processors or the like, orassociated modules thereof, such as various semiconductor memories, tapedrives, disk drives and the like, which may provide non-transitorystorage at any time for the software programming. All or portions of thesoftware may at times be communicated through the Internet or variousother telecommunication networks. Such communications, for example, mayenable loading of the software from one computer or processor intoanother, for example, from a management server or host computer into thecomputer platform of an application server. Thus, another type of mediathat may bear the software elements includes optical, electrical andelectromagnetic waves, which may be transmitted across physicalinterfaces between local devices, through wired and optical landlinenetworks and over various air-links. The physical elements that carrysuch waves, such as wired or wireless links, optical links or the like,also may be considered as media bearing the software. As used herein,unless restricted to non-transitory, tangible “storage” media, termssuch as computer or machine “readable medium” refer to any medium thatparticipates in providing instructions to a processor for execution.

Hence, a machine readable medium, such as computer-executable code, maytake many forms, including but not limited to, a tangible storagemedium, a carrier wave medium or physical transmission medium.Non-volatile storage media including, for example, optical or magneticdisks, or any storage devices in any computer(s) or the like, may beused to implement the databases, etc. shown in the drawings. Volatilestorage media include dynamic memory, such as main memory of such acomputer platform. Tangible transmission media include coaxial cables;copper wire and fiber optics, including the wires that comprise a buswithin a computer system. Carrier-wave transmission media may take theform of electric or electromagnetic signals, or acoustic or light wavessuch as those generated during radio frequency (RF) and infrared (IR)data communications. Common forms of computer-readable media thereforeinclude for example: a floppy disk, a flexible disk, hard disk, magnetictape, any other magnetic medium, a CD-ROM, DVD or DVD-ROM, any otheroptical medium, punch cards paper tape, any other physical storagemedium with patterns of holes, a RAM, a ROM, a PROM and EPROM, aFLASH-EPROM, any other memory chip or cartridge, a carrier wavetransporting data or instructions, cables or links transporting such acarrier wave, or any other medium from which a computer may readprogramming code and/or data. Many of these forms of computer readablemedia may be involved in carrying one or more sequences of one or moreinstructions to a processor for execution.

The computer system 2001 can include or be in communication with anelectronic display 2035 that comprises a user interface (UI) 2040 forproviding, for example, a portal for monitoring a transportation or ausage of one or more hydrogen fuel storage modules. The portal may beprovided through an application programming interface (API). A user orentity can also interact with various elements in the portal via the UI.Examples of UI's include, without limitation, a graphical user interface(GUI) and web-based user interface.

Methods and systems of the present disclosure can be implemented by wayof one or more algorithms. An algorithm can be implemented by way ofsoftware upon execution by the central processing unit 2005. Thealgorithm may be configured to determine a demand for hydrogen fuelstorage modules and to coordinate a delivery or a transportation of oneor more hydrogen fuel storage modules to one or more hydrogen fuelcompatible vehicles located at or near one or more vehicle fuelingsites.

Vehicle Conversion

In any of the embodiments described herein, the hydrogen fuel compatiblevehicles may comprise one or more vehicles converted or retrofitted tobe compatible with the fuel storage modules described herein. In somecases, the one or more vehicles described herein may be converted orretrofitted into a hydrogen fuel compatible vehicle using a conversionkit. The conversion kit may comprise one or more components that enablea vehicle to use hydrogen fuel for propulsion, movement, ortransportation. For example, the conversion kit may comprise one or morehydrogen fuel cells, one or more propulsion units (e.g., electricmotors) configured to use hydrogen to generate thrust, structuralcomponents (e.g., frames) configured to receive and hold the fuelstorage modules within the vehicle, plumbing to distribute hydrogen fuelfrom the fuel storage modules to the hydrogen fuel cells, an electricpower train, and connectors and fittings to releasably couple the fuelstorage modules (or any frame structures holding the fuel storagemodules) to the hydrogen fuel compatible vehicles. The conversion kitmay be an aftermarket retrofit solution for operators of vehicles (e.g.,regional aircraft). The conversion kit may comprise any number ofcomponents required for hydrogen-based propulsion. The conversion kitmay be customized for retrofitting on any vehicle or any aircraft. Thecomponents of the conversion kit may be modular such that the componentscan be combined or assembled in different configurations forretrofitting on a plurality of different aircrafts having differentshapes, sizes, profiles, or designs. In some instances, the conversionkit may comprise electronics hardware and/or software to enable anoperator to control or modulate the one or more components of theconversion kit.

In some cases, the fuel storage modules may be substantially cylindricalin shape. In other cases, the fuel storage modules may have anon-cylindrical shape (e.g., a conical, cuboid, or polygonal shape).

In any of the embodiments described herein, the hydrogen fuel storagemodules may be configured to store gaseous hydrogen fuel, liquidhydrogen fuel, a combination of gaseous and liquid hydrogen fuel, orhydrogen as a supercritical fluid. Gaseous and liquid hydrogen fuel maybe interchangeable depending on transportation requirements for thehydrogen fuel compatible vehicle. Gaseous hydrogen fuel may be lessdense than liquid hydrogen fuel and may provide less range than liquidhydrogen fuel, but can provide cost savings since the compressionprocess consumes less energy. Gaseous hydrogen fuel may also be storedin the fuel storage modules in a pressurized or compressed state for anextended time period (e.g., at least about 1 week, 1 month, 1 year, orlonger) without substantial leakage from the module. Conversely, liquidhydrogen fuel can provide greater range than gaseous hydrogen fuel sinceliquid hydrogen fuel is more dense than gaseous hydrogen fuel, but mayrequire a more expensive compression and liquefaction process. Dependingon the transportation requirements for a hydrogen fuel compatiblevehicle, an operator may elect to use either gaseous or liquid hydrogenfuel or both, depending on operational needs. In any case, the fuelstorage modules described herein may be used to store gaseous hydrogenfuel and/or liquid hydrogen fuel. In some embodiments, the hydrogen fuelmay be stored at a pressure that ranges from about 1 megapascal (MPa) toabout 200 MPa.

The hydrogen fuel storage modules can be used to store liquid hydrogenfuel. During transport, the liquid hydrogen fuel may warm up, in spiteof any insulation, and start to evaporate, thereby building up pressureinside the fuel storage module. To mitigate pressure buildup, the fuelstorage modules may be configured to vent at least a portion of thestored hydrogen fuel at a controlled rate. The fuel storage modules mayvent at least a portion of the stored hydrogen fuel until the fuelstorage modules are delivered to a fueling site for use or consumptionby a hydrogen fuel compatible vehicle. The total time between (i)fueling the hydrogen storage modules and (ii) delivery of the hydrogenfuel storage modules to a fueling site may be at most about 5 days, 4days, 3 days, 2 days, 1 day, or less. In some instances, the total timebetween fueling and delivery may be more than 5 days. In any case, thefuel storage modules may be configured to retain the hydrogen fuel overan extended period of time with minimal leakage.

In any of the embodiments described herein, the hydrogen fuel storagemodules may comprise a plurality of different sizes, shapes, or storagecapacities depending on the type of vehicle or the transportationrequirements associated with a particular vehicle type or travel route.The hydrogen fuel storage modules may be compatible with differentvehicles in a same vehicle class or vehicle category.

As shown in FIG. 17, the hydrogen fuel storage modules 20 may be placedor stored inside a converted aircraft 10. The converted aircraft 10 maycomprise an aircraft converted into a hydrogen fuel compatible vehicle.The aircraft 10 may be converted into a hydrogen fuel compatible vehicleusing a conversion kit as described herein, and may be configured foruse with any of the storage modules described herein. In some cases, thefuel storage modules 20 may be placed inside a cabin area of thefuselage 80 of the converted aircraft 10. In such cases, the fuelstorage modules 20 may be placed where one or more passenger seats areusually located before the aircraft undergoes conversion (e.g., by useof a conversion kit). In any of the embodiments described herein, thehydrogen fuel storage modules 20 may be in fluid communication with oneor more hydrogen fuel cells (e.g., via piping or ducting). The one ormore hydrogen fuel cells may be located on or near a wing region or anacelle region of the aircraft 10.

In any of the embodiments described herein, the hydrogen fuel storagemodules may be insertable into a frame structure. The frame structuremay be configured to receive one or more fuel storage modules. The fuelstorage modules may be releasably coupled to the frame structure. Theframe structure may be inserted or loaded into a hydrogen fuelcompatible vehicle. The frame structure may be releasably coupled to thehydrogen fuel compatible vehicle, or a structural component thereof. Theframe structure may be configured to position and/or orient the fuelstorage modules such that the fuel storage modules are able to interfacewith various components (e.g., connectors, fittings, piping, ducting,plumbing, electrical wiring, etc.) upon insertion into a hydrogen fuelcompatible vehicle. The modules can be automatically positioned ororiented in a proper position or configuration using one or morealigning and locking mechanisms on the frame structure. Examples of suchmechanisms may include guides, rails, grooves, latches, clips, springs,detents, magnets, etc. In some cases, the interfacing of the fuelstorage modules with various components of the conversion kit or varioussubsystems of the hydrogen fuel compatible vehicle may compriseengagement of a quick release mechanism. Such interfacing may place thefuel storage modules in fluid communication with one or more hydrogenfuel cells. In some cases, such interfacing may permit operativecoupling of the fuel storage modules to one or more controllers used toregulate the delivery of hydrogen fuel from the fuel storage modulesand/or the operation of the hydrogen fuel cells and any compatiblepropulsion systems (e.g., electric motors). The use of quick releasemechanisms for interfacing may enable safe and easy coupling anddecoupling of the fuel storage modules within a short time period (e.g.,at most about 5 minutes, 4 minutes, 3 minutes, 2 minutes, 1 minutes, orless). The quick release mechanisms may also reduce loading andunloading times, which can increase operator efficiency and enableaircraft to become operational quicker with reduced downtime.

In any of the embodiments described herein, the fuel storage modules maycomprise one or more sensors for status monitoring (i.e., monitoring ofthe state of the contents stored within the module, or monitoring acondition or a structural integrity of the fuel storage modules). Theone or more sensors may comprise, for example, a pressure sensor, atemperature sensor, a motion sensor, and/or any other sensor asdescribed elsewhere herein.

Referring to FIGS. 18A and 18B, the systems and methods of the presentdisclosure may be used to implement a hydrogen fuel network 400. Thehydrogen fuel network 400 may comprise a production and filling stage402, during which one or more hydrogen fuel storage modules 20 arefilled with hydrogen fuel. In some cases, the hydrogen fuel may beproduced using green grid power. The hydrogen fuel network 400 mayfurther comprise a multi-modal transport stage 404, during which the oneor more hydrogen fuel storage modules 20 are transported to one or moretransport vehicle 44 fueling sites via road, rail, and/or sea. Thehydrogen fuel network 400 may further comprise a fuel loading operationsstage 406, during which the hydrogen fuel storage modules 20 are loadedinto one or more hydrogen fuel compatible vehicles, such as the aircraft10, using standard, commercially available equipment, such as groundsupport loading vehicles 28. The hydrogen fuel network 400 may furthercomprise a reverse logistics stage 408, during which one or moredepleted or partially spent fuel storage modules 20 are inspected andapproved for refill and/or reuse.

While preferred embodiments of the present invention have been shown anddescribed herein, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art thatsuch embodiments are provided by way of example only. It is not intendedthat the invention be limited by the specific examples provided withinthe specification. While the invention has been described with referenceto the aforementioned specification, the descriptions and illustrationsof the embodiments herein are not meant to be construed in a limitingsense. Numerous variations, changes, and substitutions will now occur tothose skilled in the art without departing from the invention.Furthermore, it shall be understood that all aspects of the inventionare not limited to the specific depictions, configurations or relativeproportions set forth herein which depend upon a variety of conditionsand variables. It should be understood that various alternatives to theembodiments of the invention described herein may be employed inpracticing the invention. It is therefore contemplated that theinvention shall also cover any such alternatives, modifications,variations or equivalents. It is intended that the following claimsdefine the scope of the invention and that methods and structures withinthe scope of these claims and their equivalents be covered thereby.

We claim:
 1. A hydrogen fuel supply method for use by hydrogen-poweredvehicles, comprising: receiving at a vehicle fueling site one or morefuel storage modules, wherein the one or more fuel storage modules arefilled with hydrogen at a hydrogen supply source, and wherein each ofthe one or more fuel storage modules comprise a storage capsule and afuel outlet fitting through which hydrogen fuel is dispensed from thestorage capsule; receiving at the vehicle fueling site ahydrogen-powered vehicle for fueling, wherein the hydrogen-poweredvehicle has a fuel storage compartment, a fuel system with one or morefuel inlet fittings, and a power plant coupled to the fuel system forreceiving hydrogen fuel from the fuel system of the hydrogen-poweredvehicle; removing one or more depleted fuel storage modules from thefuel storage compartment of the hydrogen-powered vehicle; loading theone or more fuel storage modules into the fuel storage compartment;connecting each fuel outlet fitting to a respective one of the one ormore fuel inlet fitting to transfer the hydrogen fuel from the fuelstorage module to the fuel system of the hydrogen-powered vehicle; anddirecting the one or more depleted fuel storage modules away from thevehicle fueling site for refilling at the hydrogen supply source.
 2. Themethod of claim 1, further comprising: accessing the depleted fuelstorage modules in the fuel storage compartment of the hydrogen-poweredvehicle; disconnecting the fuel outlet fitting of the depleted fuelstorage module from the one or more fuel inlet fittings; and removingthe depleted fuel storage modules from the fuel storage compartment ofthe hydrogen-powered vehicle.
 3. The method of claim 1 wherein thehydrogen-powered vehicle is an aircraft.
 4. The method of claim 1,further comprising securing the one or more fuel storage modules tostructure of the hydrogen-powered vehicle in the fuel storagecompartment.
 5. The method of claim 1 wherein receiving at a vehiclefueling site one or more fuel storage modules comprises removing the oneor more fuel storage modules from a transport vehicle configured todeliver the fuel storage modules to the vehicle fueling site.
 6. Themethod of claim 1, further comprising loading the depleted fuel storagemodules onto a transport vehicle for transportation to the hydrogensupply source for refilling with hydrogen.
 7. The method of claim 1wherein the fuel outlet fitting and the fuel inlet fitting are quickconnect fittings, wherein connecting comprises releasablyinterconnecting the each fuel outlet quick connect fittings to arespective one of the fuel inlet quick connect fittings.
 8. The methodof claim 1 wherein connecting comprises manually connecting each fueloutlet fitting to a respective one of the one or more fuel inletfitting.
 9. The method of claim 1 wherein receiving at a vehicle fuelingsite comprising receiving the one or more fuel storage modules that arefilled at a hydrogen supply source remote from the vehicle fueling site.10. The method of claim 1 wherein the hydrogen fuel supply source is ahydrogen production facility.
 11. The method of claim 1 wherein the oneor more fuel storage modules have a size, shape, form factor, orconfiguration compatible with (i) equipment at the hydrogen supplysource, (ii) one or more transport vehicles for transporting the fuelstorage modules, and (iii) the one or more hydrogen fuel compatiblevehicles.
 12. The method of claim 1, further comprising monitoringhealth of the fuel storage modules via sensors on the fuel storagemodules.
 13. A method for storing and transporting hydrogen, comprising:storing hydrogen fuel in one or more fuel storage modules; transportingthe one or more fuel storage modules to a vehicle fueling site, whereinone or more hydrogen fuel compatible vehicles are located or anticipatedto be located at or near the vehicle fueling site; loading the one ormore fuel storage modules into the one or more hydrogen fuel compatiblevehicles, wherein the one or more fuel storage modules are configured tobe releasably coupled to the one or more hydrogen fuel compatiblevehicles; and decoupling the one or more fuel storage modules from theone or more hydrogen fuel compatible vehicles after the one or more fuelstorage modules are depleted or partially depleted, wherein the one ormore fuel storage modules have a size, shape, form factor, orconfiguration compatible with (i) equipment at a hydrogen supply source,(ii) one or more transport vehicles for transporting the fuel storagemodules, and (iii) the one or more hydrogen fuel compatible vehicles.14. The method of claim 13, further comprising refueling the one or moredepleted or partially depleted fuel storage modules for redeployment onthe one or more hydrogen fuel compatible vehicles.
 15. The method ofclaim 13, further comprising determining a demand for the one or morefuel storage modules before transporting the one or more fuel storagemodules to the vehicle fueling site, wherein the demand is determinedbased at least in part on a number of vehicles at the fueling site, afrequency of operation of the vehicles, or a distance travelled by thevehicle during a typical trip.
 16. The method of claim 13, wherein theone or more hydrogen fuel compatible vehicles comprise one or morehydrogen fuel cells configured to generate electricity using thehydrogen fuel stored within the one or more fuel storage modules.
 17. Amethod of hydrogen fuel supply for hydrogen-powered aircraft,comprising: providing at a vehicle fueling site the hydrogen-poweredaircraft, wherein the wherein the aircraft has a fuel storagecompartment, a fuel system with one or more fuel inlet fitting, and apower plant coupled to the fuel system for receiving hydrogen fuel fromthe fuel system of the aircraft; disconnecting from the fuel system afirst fuel storage module depleted or partially depleted of hydrogenfuel; removing from the fuel storage compartment the disconnected firstfuel storage module; loading a second fuel storage module from thevehicle fueling site into the fuel storage compartment, wherein thesecond fuel storage module is are filled or refilled with the hydrogenfuel at a remote hydrogen supply source, and wherein the second fuelstorage module comprises a storage capsule and a fuel outlet fittingthrough which hydrogen fuel is dispensed from the storage capsule;connecting the fuel outlet fitting of the second fuel storage module tothe fuel inlet fitting of the aircraft's fuel system to provide hydrogenfuel for powering the power plant; directing the depleted first fuelstorage modules away from the vehicle fueling site; moving the aircraftaway from the vehicle fueling site after the first fuel storage moduleis loaded onto the aircraft; flying the aircraft along selected routeduring which the hydrogen fuel is used and depleted from the first fuelstorage module, and returning the aircraft to the vehicle fueling sitefor refueling by loading filled fuel storage modules into the aircraftand connecting the filled fuel storage modules to the aircraft's fuelsystem.
 18. The method of claim 17 wherein disconnecting comprisesdisconnecting a plurality of depleted first fuel storage modules andremoving the plurality of depleted first fuel storage modules; andwherein loading comprises loading a plurality of second fuel storagemodules into the fuel storage compartment.
 19. The method of claim 17wherein refueling comprises removing the second fuel storage modulesfrom the aircraft after hydrogen fuel is depleted therefrom, andreplacing the removed fuel storage modules with the filled fuel storagemodules and connecting the fuel outlet fitting of the filled fuelstorage module to the fuel inlet fitting of the aircraft's fuel system.20. The method of claim 17, further comprising transporting the firstfuel storage modules from the vehicle fueling facility to a hydrogensupply source for refilling with hydrogen fuel.